Overview
Virola (Wild nutmeg) is a common tree in the Amazon rainforest of Surinam growing
up to 100 feet tall; the blood red resin in the inner- bark has hallucinogenic effects.
The Amerindians use it as a snuff while the latex is used to treat check ulcers and abscesses.
By Amazonian Peruvians and Colombians it is commonly used for fungal diseases and scabies; also used for bladder-
and stomach ailments. It is also used by their Shamans as an ingredient in Ayahuasca (psychoactive
infusions or decoctions, prepared from the Banisteriopsis vine from the Amazon rainforest).
Constituents
The resin contains hallucinogenic alkaloids: 5-MeO-DMT, 5-OH-DMT (Bufotenine), and
also N,N-DMT (of the Dimethyltryptamine family).
DMT is the major constituent of the bark. Further it contains beta-carboline harmala alkaloids, MAOIs,*
that potentiate the effects of DMT.
Additional, leucanthocyanes, tannic acids, carbohydrates and 3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-(11'-piperonyl-n-undecyl)-butenolide;
3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-(7'-piperonyl-n-heptyl)-butanolide; 9'-(3,4-methylenedioxy-phenyl)-nonanoic acid and
13'-(3,4-methylene-dioxyphenyl)-tridecanoic acid are present.
The leaves contain the antitubercular compound galbacin, the anti-aggregant veraguensin, and the antischistosomal,
Surinamensin (a neolignan).The lignans (such as grandisin) present in the plant have the highest trypanosomicidal activity.
Pharmacology
The activity of the constituents is for the most part attributed to the tryptamine-like
alkaloids in the inner bark.
The derivates of these may have a physiological function as neurotransmitters of the central nervous systems.
The major tryptamines*** possess psychoactive potency and produce central nervous system effects in humans.
These are similar to those of lysergic acid di-ethylamide.
Effects and side-effects depends on dosage, and concentration of the drug; it brings on an initial excitability,
followed by numbness and tingling in various parts of the body, loss of somatic co-ordination, nausea, visual hallucinations,
and finally a deep sleep.
Applications
The cambium (inner bark) is used as a hallucinogen; this is a class of psychoactive drugs**.
Also used as an ingredient for psychedelic snuffs; this is called Ebene, Epena or Yakawana.
When used, it gives a feeling of euphoria and a rushing sensation for several hours.
Other applications are against rheumatism, arthritis, stomach aches due to gasses, malaria, bladder problems,
bacterial infections from wounds and dyspepsia.
The dark red sap or resin from the bark has also antifungal properties, topically used against infected skin
(cures ringworm and other dermatological conditions).
It works against a wide variety of yeasts and yeast-like fungi; seems to be effective in the treatment of cutaneous
or mucocutaneous mycotic infections caused by Candida (Monilia) albicans and other Candida species.
The resin is spread over infected areas of the skin. This has not any relationship to the hallucinogenic properties
of the species.
Phytochemicals (7-hydroxyflavanone and 7-hydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavone) in the root of Virola exhibited an antifungal
activity 10-fold higher than the positive control Nystatin brand name: Mycostatin(an antifungal).
Nystatin goes by the brand name Bio-Statin in the US and Nyaderm in Canada.
Aryltetralone lignans were isolated from seeds of Virola. Their antioxidant activities were evaluated. One lignan,
was the most active compound. The catechol derivatives and all lignans were much more effective as antioxidants
than alpha tocopherol (a common form of tocopherol added to food products).
Amerindians in Suriname and Brazil use an infusion of the bark against hemorrhoids. The Amazon Indians Waiãpi,
treat malaria with an inhalation of vapor obtained from leaves.
Both Virola surinamensis and sebifera are also used in homeopathy.
Dosage Tincture:
apply on infected skin against dermatological problems (ringworm, scabies) and wound
treatment. For uses as a hallucinogenic, exacts amounts and dosage suggestions are not known and the dose is
experimental.
Amerindians smoke it or use as a snuff. Effects are varied depending on the dosage. Generally, it brings on initial
excitability, followed by numbness and tingling in parts of the body, a loss of co-ordination, nausea, visual
hallucinations and a deep sleep.
Safety And Warnings
The effects of the Virola species are very intense and unpleasant for many people.
Generally nausea, headache and related discomfort are reported. These are accompanied with the states of
dreaming, lucid dreaming and hallucinations.
* MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors), powerful antidepressant drugs prescribed and used for treatment
of depression.
** Psychoactive drugs: cause subjective changes in perception, emotion and consciousness. However, unlike
other psychoactive drugs (stimulants, opioids), hallucinogens do not only amplify states of mind but induce
experiences that are different from those of ordinary consciousness.
These experiences are often compared to non-other forms of consciousness (trance, meditation, conversion experiences,
and dreams).
***Tryptamines: monoamine alkaloid found in plants and animals. It is believed to play a role as a neuromodulator
or neurotransmitter.
Reference
Antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activities of grandisin extracted from Virola
surinamensis
Adryano A. V. Carvalho, Pablinny M. Galdino, Marcus V.M. Nascimento, Massuo J. Kato,
Marize C. Valadares, Luiz C. Cunha, Elson A. Costa
Anti-leishmanial activity of neolignans from Virola species and synthetic analogues
Barata LE, Santos LS, Ferri PH, Phillipson JD, Paine A, Croft SL.
Instituto de Química-Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), SP, Brazil. lbarata@iqm.unicamp.br
Antioxidant activity of aryltetralone lignans and derivatives from Virola sebifera (Aubl.)
Kênnia R. Rezende a, Solange C. Davino, Sílvia B.M. Barros, Massuo J. Kato,
Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiánia, GOBrazil
The above presentation is for informational and educational purposes only.
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage.
For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over - the - counter medication is also available.
Consult your doctor, practitioner, and / or pharmacist for any health problem and before using dietary supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
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