> B. caapi contains several alkaloids that act as MAOIs, which are required for DMT to be orally active<p>What boggles my mind is how shamans found a way to make it orally active. They would have to experiment heavily with various plants, sometimes to their own detriment. This would entail consuming poisonous plants by accident all so they can find a psychoactive brew.
An interesting side story is the Highland Shaman in Nepal eat a similar combination of chemicals from completely different plants. Both groups of shaman, Nepal and south America have similar descriptions of the formation and structure of the universe. The maoi chemical harmaline, is taken over a wide area of Africa, south eastern europe, and much of central asia, as well as south america. It has broad antibacterial properties and is strong against parasites.
Here [1] is an interview between Joe Rogan and Ron White on Ron's experience with Ayahuasca. I enjoyed the interview and the YT comments aren't too bad either. I'm not sure I'd ever be brave enough to try this stuff. Not sure what it would do to my already hyper-active autonomic nervous system.<p>[1] - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvb9X_3P5v4" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvb9X_3P5v4</a>
I did Ayahuasca once. This sounds cliche, but I don't think I've ever felt so strongly connected to the natural world. I'd like to do it again.