Contemporary Uses of Vilca (Anadenanthera colubrina var cebil): A Major Ritual Plant in the Andes

Abstract

Vilca or cebil (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil) is a species known for its psychoactiveproperties and its widespread use among the pre-Hispanic peoples who inhabited the southernAndean area (southern Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile and northwest Argentina). Studies on thisspecies, as well as on medicinal, psychoactive, or magical plants in general, tend to consider its usein post-Spanish conquest times to be scarce or irrelevant in the Andes of South America. However,based on an in-depth review of the existing literature and on ethnobotanical research conducted inmarkets in Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru, this paper provides an updated overview affirming thecontinuity of the use of this species. The results indicate a significant diversity in terms of usagetypes, plant parts used, treatments, and conditions in which it is applied, along with new records ofvernacular names. This paper also offers an interpretation from the perspective of Andean logics,highlighting the current therapeutic effectiveness of the seeds of this plant, facilitated through a seriesof “movements” that aim to restore the affected person’s health.