This shrub, which grows up to 5 m in height and blooms almost all year round, has many names: Chiric Sanango, Manaka, Chiricaspi, Kiss-me-quick, Brunfelsia grandiflora. And even more healing properties. With its help, Quechua treat the effects of snake bites, colds, yellow fever, arthritis, rheumatism and sexually transmitted diseases (for example, syphilis).
Almost all of the above is due to the scopoletine found in Chiric Sanango. This organic compound has proven anti-inflammatory, antifungal, analgesic, antibacterial and antispasmodic properties, and also prevents cell mutations, that is, prevents the development of cancerous tumors.
But shamans appreciate Brunfelsia grandiflora also for its ability to "open the heart", get rid of oppressive emotions, diagnose diseases and point to plants that can cure them. From ancient times, Quechua drink a decoction of this plant to gain wisdom, clarity of thinking, an inexhaustible supply of energy, and also to expel evil spirits and before hunting, for good luck.
Such properties of Chiric Sanango are likely due to a complex combination of organic compounds, including ibogaine, voacangin, scopolamine, manasin, esculetin, brunfelsamidin and saponins. Some shamans add this plant to ayahuasca.