MEDICINAL USES: Since so little is known about this plant, we do not have any information at present about possible medical uses, although a bark extract injected in rats induced CNS-stimulation followed by decreased activity and muscle relaxation for about 30 minutes (Voogelbreinder 2009, 250). If you have any further information on the medicinal uses of this plant, please leave a comment or send us an e-mail!
TRADITIONAL EFFECTS: The preliminary chemical investigations made so far have not indicated what the active principle of Maquira sclerophylia may be, though the tree is known to contain cardiac glycosides. The cardiac glycosides are an important class of naturally occurring chemicals whose actions include both beneficial and toxic effects on the heart. Plants containing cardiac steroids have been used as poisons and heart drugs at least since 1500 B.C. Throughout history these plants or their extracts have been variously used as arrow poisons, emetics, diuretics, and heart tonics. Cardiac steroids are widely used in the modern treatment of congestive heart failure and for treatment of atrial fibrillation and flutter. Yet their toxicity remains a serious problem. The tree is also known to contain coumarins, steroids, phenols and terpenes. No alkaloids have been isolated. The related species Maquira calophylla features a caustic latex, and the bark has been found to contain furocoumarins (De Carvalho & Lapa 1990).
The snuff made of Maquira sclerophylla is said to stimulate the central nervous system, causing euphoria and visions. However, no laboratory or pharmacological studies on humans have yet been conducted on this substance (Hofmann et al. 1992).
An experiment on mice and rats resulted in amphetamine-like effects. This was folllowed by “motor incoordination, decreased exploratory activity, ataxia and muscle relaxation” lasting around thirty minutes. The substance does not appear to be orally active. In further tests on rats, guinea-pigs and dogs, the animals were injected with a purified extract of the plant, and presented with a biphasic change in carotid blood pressure. Hypertension lasted up to thirty minutes. Guinea-pigs and dogs were more strongly affected than rats and died of heart attack. These effects resemble those of digitalis-like drugs (De Carvalho & Lapa 1990).

http://entheology.com/pl...ophylia-rapa-dos-indios/

I've done rape'. Assuming there is one and only one the snuff is not very visionary as its nicotine based. It's primarily used to "unblock energies" during Ayahuasca. Ie a shamanic benzo. Or so is my understanding. I was only given it during ceremony then a bottle of it upon donation. I found it quite addicting actually

Some forty species of petunias grow in South America and in warmer parts of North America. Members of the nightshade family, Solanaceae, they are closely allied to the genus Nicotiana (tobacco). Petunia violacea, as well as other species, are horticulturally important. Cultivated varieties, with their attractive, funnel-shaped blooms, are popular garden flowers that bloom profusely throughout the summer months (Voogelbreinder 2009, 271).
TRADITIONAL USES: The natives of the highlands of Ecuador are said to smoke Petunia violacea, which they call shanin, as part of shamanic practices and in order to induce a feeling of flying (Hofmann et al. 1992, 53).
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION: The plant is generally dried and then smoked. Resins have also recently become available, and are said to create a very spiritual and uplifting experience.
MEDICINAL USES: No medicinal uses of this plant are known at this time. If you have any information on the subject, please do let us know.
TRADITIONAL EFFECTS: The effects of smoking Petunia violacea are said to be similar to those of Coriaria thymifolia. Both plants are said to cause a feeling of flying into the air or floating away from the earth. This type of psychotropic experience is often attributed to tropane alkaloids. However, so far, studies have not been able to identify the presence of any alkaloids in any part of P. violacea (Butler et al. 1981). This species has been found to strongly inhibit human plasma AChE (Voogelbreinder 2009, 271).
In the related Petunia patagonica, new diterpenes have been found, and it may be possible that these are present in P. violacea as well. Diterpenes are not alkaloids, but are rather non-nitrogenous substances made up of four isoprene groups. They often regulate plant growth or provide a sweet taste. Some are psychoactive, a prime example being salvinorin A. Ketones have also been found in various species of Petunia (Guerreiro 1984).
http://entheology.com/pl...etunia-violaceae-shanin/

stimulate the central nervous system, causing euphoria and visions. [...]

I found it quite addicting actually

amphetamine-like effects.