OLOLIUQUI: CHARACTERISTICS, COMPOSITION, USES AND CONSUMPTION - BIOLOGY - 2024

The ololiuqui (Rivea corymbosa, syn. Turbina corymbosa) is a large woody climbing plant belonging to the convolvuláceas family. Originally from Mesoamerica, it was known as piule, a-mu-ka, ololiuqui or xixicamatic by the various pre-Hispanic cultures.

It is a perennial vine with large heart-shaped leaves, white conical flowers and brown ovoid seeds. This species is known for the hallucinogenic action of its seeds, being used since ancient times in pre-Hispanic ceremonial rites.

Rivea corymbosa (syn. Turbine corymbosa). Source: Botanical Register, via Wikimedia Commons

From the 16th century there are references to the use of seeds with hallucinogenic effects in ceremonial rituals by the Aztec culture. In fact, the ololiuqui plant has been represented in Teotihuacan mural painting, which denotes its importance for pre-Hispanic cultures.

The hallucinogenic seeds contain high levels of compounds that act on brain function. Indeed, Rivea corymbosa seed contains the alkaloid LSA, ergine or lysergic acid amide that causes these effects.

General characteristics

Morphology

The ololiuqui is a climbing plant whose thin, woody, pubescent vines grow 8 to 12 m long or more. The oval or cordate leaves - heart-shaped - are 6 to 8 cm long and wide.

The white conical flowers and the central yellow star-shaped coloration present a pleasant aroma. The capsule-shaped fruits contain small oval black or brown seeds.

Distribution and habitat

Native to the tropical Mesoamerican region, it is found from southeastern Mexico and the southern United States, through Central America and the Caribbean, to Paraguay and southern Brazil.

As an ornamental plant it has been introduced and has become naturalized in the Canary Islands, Mauritius and the Philippines. It is found in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, as well as in Queensland north of Australia, and some islands in the Pacific Ocean.

It is adapted to warm climate conditions from 0 to 1800 meters above sea level, related to tropical forest ecosystems and evergreen vegetation. In addition, it is adapted to the dry conditions of the bioregions of the humid tropics.

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Solanales

Family: Convolvulaceae

Genre: Rivea

Species: Rivea corymbosa (L.) Raf.

In taxonomy Rivea corymbosa sin. Turbina corymbosa, the synonymy -sin- refers to the presence of more than one scientific name for a particular taxon.

Chemical composition

Rivea corymbosa was a plant used by indigenous cultures in sacred rituals due to the hallucinogenic properties of its seeds.

Its seeds contain lysergic acid amide and hydroxyethylamide, water-soluble alkaloid compounds related to LSD or lysergic acid diethylamide. They also have the alkaloid ergonovine or ergometrine, which acts as the uterotonic principle of ergot.

From the branches and leaves, it has been possible to isolate ergine, lysergic acid amide or LSA, and isoergine. As well as the indole that constitutes a structural element of the alkaloid of tryptamine derived from tryptophan.

Applications

Prehispanic ceremonies

In ancient Mesoamerican cultures, ololiuqui seeds were treated with great respect and vehemence for their healing properties. The seeds were ground and mixed with water or some intoxicating drink to supply the patient during the traditional ceremony.

Teotihuacán mural where the ololiuqui is represented. Source: O. Mustafin, from Wikimedia Commons

These rites were performed by Mixtecs, Mazatecs, Chinantecs and Zapotecs to diagnose diseases, find lost objects or people, and divination. It is said that the seeds were used to drug people offered as human sacrifices to the ancient tribal gods.

Analgesic

The alkaloids present in the seed act on the neurotransmitter serotonin, which causes psycho-perceptual disturbances. The macerated and rubbed leaves and branches are used as an analgesic to relieve headaches or headaches.

Roasted and ground seed tea soothes muscle aches, likewise prevents gout - pain, swelling - applied to the area where the discomfort occurs. It is recommended to remove kidney stones and urinary tract, to close wounds and heal sores.

Birth

The ololiuqui has oxytocic properties, since it acts on the contraction of the uterine muscle. For this reason, the decoctions and infusions of the leaves are used to stimulate and relieve labor.

Others

It is recommended to relieve syphilis-related problems and reduce discomfort caused by chills. Prevents gases and eliminates tumors; applied topically heals dislocations, fractures and pelvic pain in women.

In planter it is grown as an ornamental plant due to the abundance and frequency of the showy white flowers. In some regions the flowers are used for the artisan elaboration of a clear and fragrant honey.

It is considered a beneficial honey plant for bee colonies, as it plays a key role in maintaining biodiversity.

Ololiuqui seeds. Source: DMTrott, from Wikimedia Commons

Forms of consumption

The main element that is consumed from the ololiuqui plant are the seeds, either directly, ground, macerated, drinks or as tea. However, in traditional medicine, cooking or infusions of leaves and branches have particular and specific effects.

The use of ololiuqui seeds is documented since ancient times. The seeds crushed in alcoholic beverages were traditionally used in religious ceremonies to induce trance, divination, and cure tumors.

The macerated seed is rubbed on the head and forehead to cure head and brain troubles. Mixed with milk, it relieves eye diseases and stimulates the sexual appetite.

Two types of seeds are distinguished by color; those of black color -male- and brown color -females-. The most powerful black ones are taken by men, and the brown ones by women.

Contraindications

Inadequate consumption of the seeds can cause seizures, stomach upset, imbalance or vertigo, and generate unfavorable psychological effects. A low dose is represented by 7 seeds, the average dose by 14 and the high dose by 21; more can be lethal.

It should never be given during pregnancy, lactation, young children or patients with prescribed medical treatment. Ololiuqui is an entheogenic substance with psychotropic properties that can alter the conscience of those who consume it, so it requires strict supervision.

References

1. Barba Ahuatzin Beatriz (2018) Mexican sacred plants. Retrieved from: revistaciencia.amc.edu.m
2. Hernández García Angélica and Collector Valdez Ana Leticia (2010) Monograph and medicinal uses of ololiuqui Turbina corymbosa (L.) Raf. Traditional and Alternative Medicines. Recovered at: tlahui.com
3. Ipomoea violácea / Argyreia nervosa (2018) ICEERS International Center for Ethnobotanical Education Research & Service. Recovered at: psycheplants.org
4. Rivea corymbosa (Ololiuhqui) (2015) Hallucinogenic mushrooms. Recovered at: setasalucinogenas.com
5. Corymbosa turbine (2018) Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Recovered at: es.wikipedia.org
6. Turbina corymbosa (Christmas vine) (2019) Invasive Species Compendium. Recovered at: cabi.org
7. Corymbosa turbine (L.) Raf. (2018) Weeds of Australia Biosecurity Queensland Edition. Recovered at: keyserver.lucidcentral.or