MedicinalSourced entry

Red Jurema

Mimosa ophthalmocentra

A thorny tree of northeastern Brazil whose bark is used for coughs and bronchitis. Its roots contain DMT and have been used by Indigenous peoples to make a hallucinogenic ceremonial drink.

Safety at a glance

PregnancyNothing recorded
BreastfeedingNothing recorded
MedicinesNothing recorded
Who should avoid itNothing recorded
AllergiesNothing recorded
Toxicity1 note →

Tap a box to read the safety notes below. “Nothing recorded” means our sources don't cover it, not that it's safe.

What is Red Jurema?

Plant family: Fabaceae, the pea and bean family
Parts used: The bark and roots
Where it grows: The Caatinga dry forests of northeastern Brazil
Genus: Mimosa
Species: ophthalmocentra

Regional names

Jurema-Vermelha, Jurema

Traditionally used for

Coughs
Bronchitis
Religious ceremonies

Traditionally described as

Hallucinogenic (roots)

Natural compounds

N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)Hordenine

Safety

Toxicity testing

The roots contain DMT, a powerful hallucinogen. No studies of its safety as a remedy were found.[1]Study

What does the research say?

Traditional use

These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.

In Brazil, the bark is used for bronchitis and coughs.[2]Study
Several Indigenous peoples of northeastern Brazil have used the plant to make a strong hallucinogenic drink for religious ceremonies.[1]Study

Laboratory & animal research

Lab and animal results show what might be worth studying in people. They don't show that the herb has these effects in humans.

The roots contain DMT, a powerful hallucinogen, along with two related compounds, N-methyltryptamine and hordenine. The authors say this fits its ceremonial use.[1]Study

In short

The roots contain the hallucinogen DMT, and no safety studies exist.

Sources

[1] Isolation and Identification of Putative Hallucinogenic Constituents from the Roots of Mimosa ophthalmocentra · DOI: 10.1076/phbi.37.1.50.6312Peer-reviewed study
[2] A Comprehensive Review of the Ethnotraditional Uses and Biological and Pharmacological Potential of the Genus Mimosa · DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147463Peer-reviewed study

This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Unfamiliar word? See what these words mean.