The Hemia Salicifolia Paradox part 1

Here is something I wrote a few months ago but never finished, now Im writing the other parts. this may be a bit technical for alot of you, but im sure there are some chemistry or pharmacology nerds like me who will find this interesting. There may be some formating problems as it was simply copied and pasted from a message board I admin.

This thread will likely end up being very long and will incorporate months of planned experiments, this thread will be updated as new information becomes available. This thread will consist of both information about Heimia Salicifolia and experiences/experiments conducted with this plant.


[h]An investigation of Hemia Salicifolia[/h]
By: DMtryptamine

Heimia salicifolia is thought to have been used by the aztecs to aid them in going into trance. The plant is still used by mexican shamans to this day (Jim DeKorne, psychedelic shamanism)

The plant is often referred to as "The Sun Opener" likely due to its effects on vision when ingested. Annecdoctal evidence points toward the plant producing a yellowish tint to vision, as well as giving the sensation of "auditory flanging" (an auditory hallucination commonly experienced on NMDA antagonists.)

Active compounds

The compound directly responsible for the pseudohallucinogenic effects has yet to be identitfied, however several compounds (psychoactivity not fully known) have been isolated from Hemia Salicifolia.
(From Erowid)

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The problem is that none of these known alkaloids can fully explain the pseudohallucinogenic effects of this botanical, the often reported muscle soreness is also not explained by these compounds, in fact it is the exact opposite of what would be expected from these alkaloids (specifically vertine, as it is an antinflammatory and vasodialator)

It seems that one of Six possibilities must exists (Discussed in herbs.maxforum, expanded upon here.)

1) Unknown highly potent alkaloid present

2) There is a certain species of Heimia that is being confused with the correct type

3) Mistaken identity in analyzing the statue of Xochipilli (which is highly unlikely but you never know).

4) the unknown active is present in the essential oil and not an alkaloid.
5) Secondary Psychoactivity...the psychoactivity is a result of secondary action (not specifically binding to a receptor site, and is thus a result of toxicity.) (Unlikely)

6) The active compound acts by inhibiting enzymes thus bioactivating other compounds within our bodies, or foods/spices/chemicals we consume on a daily basis.
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The Heimia Paradox

Vertine (primary alkaloid in heimia) is a COX inhibitor (acting similar to ibuprofen)

(Source: Herbs.maxforums)

But wait, Vertine should LOWER not raise Prostaglandin levels. is it possible that some other compounds created in a failed fermentation/preparation somehow boost the function of COX, or activate some prostaglandin receptors.

To investigate this we need to look into the historical use and origional preperation and compare this to how many westerners "prepare" the brew for consumption

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The Cultural and Historical Use of Heimia Salicifolia
(Source: Entheology.org)
There are three main Routes of Administration that where used by mexican shamans/medicine men during the 1800s.
1. fermented teas
2. healing salves
3. and direct extractions.

To be continued.

 

I have been interested in this herb for quite some time after sampling a free extract that a vendor sadly doesn't carry anymore. Nice to know a little bit of chemistry behind it, even though it seems contradictory and not well understood. Great report, wish I was bright enough to follow this deeply. Take care.