guy Posted May 19 Report Share Posted May 19 (edited) Researchers at a Mayan ball court in Mexico have identified plant types using environmental DNA (since the plants are rarely preserved in the tropical climate). These plants are known for either their medicinal and possible hallucinogenic properties. Discovered was the morning glory plant, for example, which contains tryptamine as well as lysergic acid amide that is chemically similar to LSD. The seeds of the morning glory plant are used for its psychedelic or hallucinogenic effects. Quote According to a study published April 26 in the journal PLOS One, Mayans at Yaxnohcah participated in a ritual at a ballcourt using four or more plants. After conducting a DNA analysis of soil samples from a spot on an elevated platform supporting a ballcourt, researchers identified several plants, the Smithsonian Magazine reports. These include a hallucinogenic flower known as xtabentun (Ipomoea corymbosa), as well as lancewood (Oxandra lanceolata), chile peppers (Capsicum sp.), and jool leaves (Hampea trilobata). All four have medicinal properties. The plants were likely wrapped up in a bundle tied or woven from jool leaves. All that is left is a dark patch showing particles of organic material. It paints a colorful picture of Mayan religion. Xtabentun is a variety of the psychedelic morning glory flower, growing wild in the Yucatan. It had several uses in Mayan culture because it produces the pollen Yucatecan honey bees use to create the nectar needed to make traditional Mayan liquor, with a kick. Morning glory varieties have seeds that contain ergoline alkaloids such as the psychedelic ergonovine and ergine (LSA), chemically similar to the more potent LSD. Chile (or chili) peppers were used medicinally for a variety of purposes as well. Jool leaves are used to wrap up offerings and lancewood is used ceremonially as well. https://hightimes.com/news/psychedelic-plants-found-in-ancient-mayan-ballcourt/amp/ https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0301497 Frontiers | Paleoecological Studies at the Ancient Maya Center of Yaxnohcah Using Analyses of Pollen, Environmental DNA, and Plant Macroremains (frontiersin.org) Edited May 19 by guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guy Posted May 31 Author Report Share Posted May 31 Another article on the find: https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/05/39113684/unveiling-mayan-secrets-hallucinogens-in-ancient-ball-game-rituals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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