Psychotria viridis, also known as chacruna or chacrona, derives its name from the Quechua verb "to mix". The plant belongs to the Rubiaceae (coffee plant family) and is a shrub or small tree with small red fruit and narrow leaves of 5–15 cm long. The leaves contain the tryptamine alkaloid N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and beta-carbolines.
Psychotria viridis, known as chacruna, is a shrubby plant from the coffee plant family (Rubiaceae) native to the Amazon region. The name derives from the Quechua verb 'chaqruy' meaning 'to mix'. The leaves contain the tryptamine alkaloid DMT and beta-carbolines, and are traditionally combined with MAO-inhibiting plants.
The leaves of Psychotria viridis contain N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) as the primary active alkaloid, alongside traces of N-methyltryptamine (NMT) and beta-carbolines. The DMT content ranges between 0.1% and 0.6% of dry weight, depending on growing conditions and harvest timing. Read our guide to psychedelic compounds for more information.
Store dried chacruna leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark location at no more than 20°C. Avoid moisture and direct sunlight, as UV radiation accelerates the breakdown of DMT in the leaves. With proper storage, the leaves maintain optimal quality for six to twelve months.
