Banisteriopsis caapi — Ayahuasca Vine Wholesale

Banisteriopsis caapi is a large woody liana native to the Amazon basin. Indigenous peoples across the Amazon have worked with this vine for generations in healing ceremonies, dieta practices, and initiatory traditions. The vine is harvested, typically shredded or pounded, and prepared in combination with DMT-containing admixtures to produce the ceremonial brew known as ayahuasca.

Beta-Carboline Content and Varieties

The stems of B. caapi contain three primary beta-carboline alkaloids: harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine (THH). These compounds inhibit monoamine oxidase, which is why they are often described as the MAOI component of ayahuasca. Alkaloid ratios vary by variety. The main commercially available varieties are:

Red (Ourinhos/Peru): Intense reddish-brown color, associated with grounding and protective properties in some traditions. Our Caapi Red shredded vine is sourced from Peru.

Yellow (Brazil): Lighter coloring, often described in practice as producing clearer, more visionary experiences. Our Caapi Yellow shredded vine comes from Brazil.

Caupuri: A specific variety from the Peruvian Amazon, distinguished by knot-like nodes along the vine. Often considered one of the most potent in traditional contexts.

Caapi vs. Harmala

A common confusion in the market: Banisteriopsis caapi and Peganum harmala (Syrian Rue, Harmala) both contain harmine and harmaline, but they are entirely different plants from different regions and traditions. Caapi is an Amazonian liana; Harmala is a shrub native to the Middle East and Central Asia. They are not interchangeable culturally or botanically.

Wholesale Supply

We supply Caapi in shredded vine form and as a concentrated tincture — see our Caapi tincture (40:1 extract) for buyers looking for a concentrated format. Suitable for healing practitioners, ceremonial suppliers, smartshops, and research outlets.