Although T. methystica produces effects identical with those of Banisteriopsis caapi, we still know nothing of its chemistry. However, it is closely related to Banisteriopsis and there is every probability that similar or identical alkaloids are present.

There are 90 species of Tetrapteris - vines and small trees found throughout the humid American tropics.

• Ayahuasca, shamanism, and curanderismo in the Andes ()
  The term ayahuasca comes from the Quechua, meaning literally "the vine of souls," although it is also called "the visionary vine" or the "vine of death." The folk term refers to the botanical species of liana known as Banisteriopsis Caapi , which is also known as Yage among the Indians of Brazil.
  
• Ayahuasca: Human Consciousness and the Spirits of Nature ()
  Anything with the name Ralph Metzner even remotely attached to it is a safe buy. An elder statesman responsible for dramatic shifts in consciousness within this nation and throughout the world...
  
• Banisteriopsis caapi - Ayahuasca ()
  Used in the western half of the Amazon Valley and by isolated tribes on the Pacific slopes of the Columbian and Ecuadorian Andes.
  
• Peganum harmala - Syrian Rue ()
  The seeds, as well as the roots, of P. harmala contain a mixture of the harmala alkaloids, armine and harmaline. When admnstered to humans, the harmala alkaloids are serotonin antagonists, CNS stimulants, hallucinogens and extemely potent, short term MAO inhibitors.
  
• Phalaris arundinacea - Red Canary Grass ()
  The plant contains DMT, beta-carbolines, 5-MEO-demethyltryptamine, and trace amounts of bufotenine.