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Local names of Boophane disticha: Munzepete or muwandwe (shona), ingotho (ndebele), incotha (Zulu), incwadi (Xhosa), leshoma (Southern Sotho, Tswana). Boophane disticha is a plant with big bulbs and grows in southern to central africa. The bulb is eaten by the Basuto from South Africa for intoxicating effects in their initiation rites. Also the dried bulb-powder is a ritual and psychoactive smoke. In the Sotho-tribe the plant enjoys high reputation and the smoke (with other herbs) is also used in their initiation rites. Boophane is often used together with Securidaca longepedunculata- roots, which contain Ergolines. In Zimbabwe the bulb is used to conjure up ancestral spirits. The fresh bulb was found to contain 0,31% alkaloids, which to some extent have morphine-like structures and actions, but also Atropin-like actions. There are some findings that compounds in the leaves, which are used against anxiety, are SSRIs! http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15814274 Buphanidrine is the most promising one. BUT: Keep in mind its a very potent and dangerous plant, too much of it can be quite toxic! My plant:
