Banisteriopsis caapi vs Crocus cartwrightianus

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Banisteriopsis caapi

Nervine

Nervine

Banisteriopsis caapi

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Crocus cartwrightianus

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Sacred Amazonian vine; contains MAO inhibitors (harmine, harmaline) used in ayahuasca ceremonies.

Wild ancestor of saffron crocus; stigmas used similarly to cultivated saffron in Greek folk medicine.

Active Compounds

harmine, harmaline, tetrahydroharmine, harmol, harmalol

crocin, crocetin, safranal, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

spiritual ceremony, depression, addiction treatment, Parkinson, tremors

depression, anxiety, vision support, menstrual disorders

Modern Uses

MAO inhibitor, antidepressant, anti-Parkinson, neuroplasticity

antidepressant, anxiolytic, antioxidant

Adult Dosage

Ceremonial use under trained guidance only

30mg standardized extract daily

Contraindications

antidepressants, food tyramine, stimulants, amphetamines, pregnancy

pregnancy (high doses), anticoagulants

Side Effects

severe serotonin syndrome risk with wrong combinations, hypertensive crisis

GI upset, headache

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E