Banisterine

/ˈbænɪstəˌriːn/ noun

Definition

An alkaloid compound found in certain plant species, particularly in banisteria vines used in traditional medicines and psychoactive preparations.

Etymology

From Banisteria, a genus of climbing plants in the malpighiaceae family, combined with the chemical suffix -ine. The genus name itself likely derives from a Latinized form of an indigenous Amazonian name for the plant.

Kelly Says

Banisterine is one of several alkaloids in ayahuasca and related plants that indigenous Amazonian cultures have used ceremonially for centuries—modern scientists are only now beginning to understand how these compounds affect consciousness and neural pathways.

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