Botanical Overview
Parica (Virola calophylla) belongs to the Myristicaceae family. While not among the most extensively documented medicinal plants, this species has recorded uses that warrant attention from researchers and practitioners. This species belongs to the Myristicaceae family, a group of flowering plants.
General Description
It is native to South America, namely Guyana, Suriname, northern and west-central Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia (Department of Amazonas, Department of Vaupés), Ecuador (Napo, Pastaza, Sucumbios) and Peru (Amazonas Region, Loreto Region, Madre de Dios Region, Puno Region, Ucayali Region). The tree grows 5 to 25 metres (16 to 82 ft) tall and it is found in low elevation evergreen forests. The fruit is ellipsoid to ovoid and subglobular, 19 to 32 millimetres (0. 75 to 1. 26 in) long and 12 to 20 millimetres (0. 47 to 0. 79 in) in diameter in groups of 1 to 32. Virola calophylla contains dimethyltryptamine and other tryptamines, and in the Orinoco River region, the Witoto and Bora use it as a snuff.
Family Context
The Myristicaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
Geographic Distribution
Parica has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, and others.
Traditional Uses
Parica has been traditionally used for nervous system disorders.
Nervous system disorders.
- Narcotic
Nervous system support involves taking the herb as a warm tea, often in the evening or before bed. The calming compounds interact with neurotransmitter systems to promote relaxation and restful sleep.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 3 compounds in this species: 5-methoxy-n,n-dimethyltryptamine, n,n-dimethyltryptamine, n-monomethyltryptamine.
The identified compounds include the following categories:
- Alkaloid: nitrogenous compounds with diverse pharmacological activities