Banisteriopsis caapi, yellow vine

Banisteriopsis caapi yellow vine | Crushed vine — 100 g and 500 g

Banisteriopsis caapi yellow vine is a variety of Banisteriopsis caapi — a climbing vine from the Malpighiaceae family, native to the Amazon basin and considered in ethnobotanical literature as the central component of the traditional preparation known as ayahuasca. The term yellow vine refers to the characteristic internal coloration of the mature stem, one of the morphological criteria used in Amazonian shamanic classification to distinguish varieties within the species (Luna, 1986; Schultes & Hofmann, 1979). In Edabea, we offer it in fine crushed format, in 100 g and 500 g presentations.

Differences between yellow vine and black vine

The yellow vine and the black vine are varieties of the same species — Banisteriopsis caapi — differentiated morphologically by the internal coloration of the stem. The black vine has a characteristic dark coloration; the yellow vine has a yellowish internal hue. Both names derive from the Amazonian shamanic classification system, which distinguishes varieties by organoleptic and morphological criteria, not formal taxonomic ones.

Phytochemical literature documents slightly different alkaloid profiles between varieties of B. caapi, with variations in the relative proportions of harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine depending on the variety, the part of the plant analyzed, and the cultivation and processing conditions (Callaway, 2005). The yellow vine is one of the varieties with the most documented history within the Amazonian ethnobotanical context (Luna, 1986).

What does the yellow vine contain — documented alkaloids

Banisteriopsis caapi contains a well-characterized profile of beta-carboline alkaloids in scientific literature: harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine (THH). These compounds exhibit reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) activity, a mechanism documented in numerous pharmacological studies (Callaway et al., 1999; McKenna et al., 1984). The relative proportions of each alkaloid vary between varieties and have been the subject of analytical characterization in specialized literature (Callaway, 2005).

Ethnobotanical context

The ceremonial use of Banisteriopsis caapi is documented among more than 70 indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin — including the Shipibo-Conibo, Shawi, Huni Kuin, and Siona — with a historical trajectory that predates European contact by several centuries. The ethnobotanist Richard Evans Schultes dedicated decades to studying this species in the Amazon starting in the 1940s; his works, compiled in Plants of the Gods (1979, with Albert Hofmann) and Vine of the Soul (1992), remain fundamental references in the field.

The Amazonian shamanic tradition recognizes and names different varieties of B. caapi with specific uses and meanings within each ceremonial context. Luis Eduardo Luna documented this traditional classification system in his work on Amazonian vegetalismo (Luna, 1986).

In 2008, the National Culture Institute of Peru declared the knowledge and traditional uses of ayahuasca as Cultural Heritage of the Nation, recognizing the historical and cultural value of the shamanic knowledge system associated with this plant.

To expand the botanical and ethnobotanical context of this species and its relation to other vines in our catalog, you can check our ayahuasca section.

Conservation

The crushed vine is sensitive to humidity and temperature changes. To maintain its stability over time:

• Store in a well-sealed container, preferably airtight.
• Keep in a cool, dry place, protected from direct light.
• Avoid humidity, prolonged heat, and cross-contamination with other materials.

Frequently asked questions about Banisteriopsis caapi yellow vine

What is the difference between the yellow vine and the black vine?

They are varieties of the same species — Banisteriopsis caapi — differentiated by the internal stem coloration: yellowish in the yellow vine, dark in the black vine. The classification comes from the Amazonian shamanic system, not from formal botanical taxonomy. Phytochemical literature documents differences in alkaloid profiles between varieties, with variations in the relative proportions of harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine (Callaway, 2005).

Which part of the plant is sold?

The mature vine is sold in fine crushed format. It is the part of the plant most commonly used in traditional Amazonian preparation and contains the highest presence of beta-carboline alkaloids according to available phytochemical literature (Callaway et al., 1999). For dry leaves of B. caapi, consult the specific item in the catalog.

What are beta-carboline alkaloids?

Beta-carboline alkaloids are nitrogenous compounds naturally present in various plant species. In Banisteriopsis caapi, the main ones are harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine. Their presence in this species is well-characterized in phytochemical literature since the pioneering works of McKenna et al. (1984) and has been the subject of multiple subsequent analytical studies (Callaway, 2005).

Is it legal to buy Banisteriopsis caapi in the UK?

The legal situation may vary depending on the jurisdiction. It is the buyer's responsibility to verify the applicable regulations in their place of residence. This product is sold exclusively as botanical collection material and for ethnobotanical research.

Which format is more suitable, 100 g or 500 g?

The 100 g format is suitable for botanical collection, archiving, or preliminary study of the material. The 500 g format is intended for researchers or collectors working with larger volumes or who wish to have a broader batch reference for phytochemical comparisons between B. caapi varieties.

About this content

This sheet was created by Edabea Natura's specialized team, with over 15 years of experience in the selection and commercialization of Amazonian ethnobotanical materials. The phytochemical and ethnobotanical information is based on cited bibliographic sources and direct knowledge of the material from each batch. Last updated: April 2026. For inquiries about availability or characteristics of the current batch, contact us at contact@edabea.com.

References: Callaway, J.C. (2005). Various alkaloid profiles in decoctions of Banisteriopsis caapi. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 37(2), 151–155. — Callaway, J.C. et al. (1999). Pharmacokinetics of hoasca alkaloids in healthy humans. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 65(3), 243–256. — Luna, L.E. (1986). Vegetalismo: Shamanism among the Mestizo Population of the Peruvian Amazon. Stockholm: Almqvist & Wiksell. — McKenna, D.J., Towers, G.H.N. & Abbott, F. (1984). Monoamine oxidase inhibitors in South American hallucinogenic plants. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 10(2), 195–223. — Schultes, R.E. & Hofmann, A. (1979). Plants of the Gods. New York: McGraw-Hill.