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Recent research into the
pharmacology of the sedges used by indigenous peoples of
the Amazon provides insights into the chemical activity
of these plants (see Plowman et al. in the bibliography).
Cultivated sedges are typically infected by
ergot-producing fungi of the Claviceps family, the same
fungi from which LSD (an ergot alkaloid) was first
isolated. The fungus infects the entire plant, destroying
the fruits and flowers and infusing the roots with its
rich alkaloid content.   Close-up
of Cyperus sedge showing how fruit and flower are
completely devoured by the white Claviceps fungus.
Without human propagation from bulbs, the fungus-infected plants could not reproduce. It is probably the fungus and its ergot-alkaloids that is responsible for the medicinal activity of the Machiguenga sedges, including those used by male hunters. |
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Since sedges and their
fungal parasites are reproduced by vegetative propagation
(a kind of cloning), it is probable that different lines
of sedge-fungus clones contain different concentrations
and kinds of ergot alkaloids, explaining the diverse
physiological effects attributed to them by the
Machiguenga. One study (see Clay et al.) found eight
unknown ergot alkaloids in a single sedge plant brought
from Ecuador. The use of sedges to treat wounds, prevent
postpartum hemorrhages and control female fertility are
certainly associated with the vasoconstrictory effects of
ergot alkaloids. The use of sedges to improve hunting
skill (and juggling prowess) is probably associated with
a mild psychoactive effect, stimulating the nervous
system and heightening sensory perceptions. When a Machiguenga chews on a bit of sedge root in the forest, telling his arrow to fly straight to the monkey's heart, he is not engaging in an idle superstition. He is giving time for the psychoactive effects of the sedge plant to infuse his body, while focusing his mind on the most important details of the scene in a Zen-like state of contemplation: the bow, the arrow, the target and the hunter become united for a moment before the kill. |
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