Mimosa hostilis, often referred to by its common Mexican name, Tepezcohuite, is a perennial tree. This species has garnered significant global attention due to its remarkable properties, which include documented historical uses in folk medicine and the presence of potent chemical compounds. Primarily found thriving in the warmer climates of the Americas, this tree has served indigenous communities for centuries. Its notoriety stems from the diverse chemical profile of its bark, which is utilized for everything from topical applications to dye production, and as a source of a modern psychedelic substance.
Botanical Identity and Native Habitat
The plant is scientifically known as Mimosa tenuiflora, though it is frequently identified by the synonym Mimosa hostilis and is a member of the pea family (Fabaceae). This species is a thorny, deciduous tree or shrub that can grow up to 8 meters tall. Its branches feature finely pinnate, fern-like leaves, and it produces fragrant, cylindrical spikes of white flowers, which typically bloom between November and July in the Northern Hemisphere. The tree is indigenous to a broad area spanning from Southern Mexico down to the northeastern region of Brazil. It flourishes in dry, tropical habitats, such as the semi-arid Caatinga biome in Brazil, where its resilience allows it to regenerate quickly following environmental disturbances like forest fires. The bark is a dark brown or gray color on the outside, but the inner layers, particularly the root bark, display a distinctive reddish-purple hue.
Historical Applications of Tepezcohuite Bark
The historical significance of the bark, commonly called Tepezcohuite, centers on its use as a traditional folk remedy by indigenous cultures, including the Mayans. The powdered bark was a valued preparation for treating a range of skin ailments, including minor abrasions and burns. This use was dramatically brought to wider attention in Mexico during the 1980s, when the Red Cross reportedly applied the powdered bark to treat burn victims following a major gas explosion in Mexico City. The traditional application of Tepezcohuite was rooted in its perceived regenerative and antiseptic qualities. Beyond its role in healing wounds and skin lesions, the bark was also historically employed as a source of natural dye. Due to its high content of tannins, the wood and bark were also used in traditional construction, where the compounds helped to protect the materials from rot. This traditional knowledge continues to inform the modern use of the bark in various commercial skincare products.
Key Psychoactive and Non-Psychoactive Compounds
The tree’s properties are due to a complex array of phytochemicals, which include both psychoactive and non-psychoactive components. The most well-known compound is N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, or DMT, a potent indole alkaloid. DMT is concentrated most heavily in the root bark of the plant, where it can constitute between 1% and 1.7% of the dried material by weight. The presence of DMT is the primary reason the plant is used in certain traditional psychoactive decoctions, such as Jurema, particularly in northeastern Brazil. When DMT is consumed orally, it is rapidly metabolized by the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the human gut, meaning it is not psychoactive on its own; thus, for a full psychoactive effect, the compound must be combined with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), often sourced from another plant. The bark also contains a significant concentration of non-psychoactive compounds, such as tannins. These condensed tannins are known to possess antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, which provide a scientific basis for the bark’s traditional use in wound healing.
Legal Status and Public Safety Warnings
The legal status of Mimosa hostilis is intricate and varies greatly depending on the jurisdiction and the part of the plant being considered. In many countries, including the United States, the raw plant material itself is not explicitly listed as a controlled substance. This allows the purchase and possession of the root bark for legitimate purposes, such as natural dyeing or cosmetic applications. However, the legal situation changes because the plant naturally contains DMT, which is a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law in the United States and other regions. Any action intended to extract, concentrate, or convert the DMT from the plant material is illegal. Individuals should exercise caution and be aware of the specific laws in their location concerning both the plant material and the extraction of its chemical constituents. Improper preparation or consumption of the bark, particularly in attempts to create a psychoactive brew without proper knowledge of MAOIs, can pose serious health risks, including a rapid and dangerous increase in blood pressure; therefore, the material should not be consumed orally unless under the guidance of traditional cultural use or a health professional.