Same molecule, two rituals
Both carry harmine and harmaline. In Anatolia these alkaloids burn in smoke against the evil eye; in the Amazon they form the backbone of a ceremonial brew.
Side by side
| Syrian rue | Ayahuasca vine | |
|---|---|---|
| Latin name | Peganum harmala | Banisteriopsis caapi |
| Family | Nitrariaceae | Malpighiaceae |
| Region | Anatolia and the Mediterranean, Asia and Siberia | Amazon |
| Part used | Seeds, dried capsules | Stem (vine) |
| Use | Incense and protection, Ritual and shamanic, Poisonous | Ritual and shamanic, Healing, Poisonous |
| Scientific evidence | Traditional | Limited |
| Safety | High risk | High risk |
| Legal status in Türkiye | No specific restriction | Illegal in Türkiye |
Syrian rue
Dried capsules are strung on a cord and hung by the door. The seeds are burned on embers as incense against the evil eye, especially at weddings, births and when moving into a new home.
In Kazakh and Uzbek tradition, adıraspan smoke cleanses the home and the newborn; the practice is linked to old shamanic rites.
Science: The seeds contain β-carboline alkaloids such as harmine and harmaline, which reversibly inhibit the enzyme MAO-A. They belong to the same family as the active compounds in the ayahuasca vine. There are no human studies of therapeutic use.
Safety: Drinking it can cause poisoning: vomiting, tremor, hallucinations and heart rhythm problems. It carries a risk of miscarriage. Because it is an MAO inhibitor, it interacts dangerously with antidepressants and certain foods.
Ayahuasca vine
The core ingredient of the ayahuasca brew drunk with a healer (curandero) in ceremonies of the Shipibo, Asháninka and many other Amazonian peoples. It is used for healing, divination and contact with spirits; the icaros the healer sings shape the ceremony.
In 2008 Peru declared the traditional ayahuasca practices of Amazonian communities national cultural heritage. The areas around Iquitos and Pucallpa are hubs of international ayahuasca tourism.
Science: Contains harmine, harmaline and tetrahydroharmine, which inhibit MAO-A. This lets the DMT in chacruna work when swallowed. Small clinical studies on depression are promising but early.
Safety: Can interact fatally with antidepressants and some migraine and heart medicines. In people with a history of psychosis it can trigger severe psychiatric episodes. Deaths and abuse have been reported at unregulated retreats.
Last reviewed: · Türkçe
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