Cebil (Anadenanthera Colubrina) – Whole Seeds from Peru

Anadenanthera colubrina whole seeds from Peru: Botanical Information and Historical Use

Introducing our sustainably harvested Anadenanthera colubrina or Cebil seeds from Peru. Anadenanthera colubrina produces Cebil, or Huilca seeds. Sustainably wild harvested in the tropical rainforest, area Amazonas, Maranon river. Naturally dried, and sterilized using grape-seed and citric seed extracts. These seeds hold a significant place in the cultural and spiritual practices of various indigenous tribes. We provide an extensive look into their botanical characteristics, historical uses, and cultural significance.

Botanical Information

Anadenanthera or Cebil is a tree from the genus Leguminosae (Pea family). It is a beautiful delicate fern-leaf tree with spreading branches. In season beautiful white puff-ball flowers and dark leather brown pods hang from its branches. The pods contain 10-15 mm diameter black pip seeds. It resembles the Lead Tree (Leucaena leucocephala), the Albizia (Albizia julibrissin) and many other legume trees, but it has the most delicate doubly pinnately-compound Mimosa leaves. These trees grow best in full sunlight and prefer well-drained soil. It is important for the soil to dry completely between waterings. Cebil (Anadenanthera colubrina) can handle some short term freezing conditions. This species that occurs naturally and cultivated in the open plains or llanos region of the Orinoco basin of Colombia and Venezuela, in savannas and light forests in British Guiana and in Brazil in the open grasslands.

Scientific Classification:

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Clade: Angiosperms
• Clade: Eudicots
• Order: Fabales
• Family: Fabaceae
• Genus: Anadenanthera
• Species: Anadenanthera colubrina

Common Names:

• Cebil
• Yopo
• Vilca
• Huilco
• Curupay

Morphological Characteristics:

Growth Habit: Anadenanthera colubrina is a perennial, deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters in height. It is native to South America, particularly thriving in the tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.

Leaves: The tree has bipinnate leaves, which means each leaf is composed of several smaller leaflets arranged on either side of a common axis. The leaflets are small, elongated, and display a bright green color that turns yellowish before falling off in the dry season.

Flowers: The tree produces small, spherical clusters of cream-colored flowers. These flowers are typically fragrant and attract various pollinators, contributing to the tree’s reproductive cycle.

Seeds: The seeds of Anadenanthera colubrina are encased in long, flat, and brown pods. The seeds themselves are dark brown, hard, and flat. They are often used in traditional practices by indigenous tribes.

Historical Use

Cultural Significance: Anadenanthera colubrina has been used for centuries by indigenous tribes across South America. The seeds, in particular, hold significant cultural and spiritual importance.

Tribal Use:

• The Quechua People: The Quechua, indigenous to the Andean region, use Cebil seeds in various ceremonial contexts. The seeds are often ground into a fine powder and used in traditional rituals.
• The Guarani Tribe: The Guarani people, native to regions in Paraguay and northern Argentina, also utilize Cebil seeds in their spiritual practices. These seeds play a crucial role in their ceremonial life, helping to foster community bonds and spiritual well-being.
• The Mapuche Tribe: In Chile and Argentina, the Mapuche tribe incorporates Cebil seeds into their rituals. The seeds are revered for their ability to aid in spiritual journeys and healing processes.

Sustainable Harvesting: Our Cebil seeds are sustainably harvested from the rich forests of Peru. This sustainable approach ensures the preservation of the Anadenanthera colubrina tree and supports the local communities who have depended on this tree for generations.

Scientific Research on Anadenanthera colubrina

Health and Life Science Research: The scientific community has shown increasing interest in Anadenanthera colubrina due to its potential health benefits and unique properties. Recent studies conducted at various research institutions have explored the biological and chemical characteristics of Cebil seeds.

University of Copenhagen: The University of Copenhagen has been at the forefront of research into the medicinal properties of Anadenanthera colubrina. Researchers have conducted extensive studies on the potential health applications of compounds found in Cebil seeds. Their work aims to understand how these compounds can be used in modern medicine to promote health and well-being.

The Centre for Advanced Studies in Bioscience Innovation has also played a crucial role in investigating the bioscientific aspects of Anadenanthera colubrina. Their research focuses on isolating and characterizing the active compounds in Cebil seeds, with an emphasis on their potential therapeutic uses. This research is part of a broader effort to explore the medicinal potential of traditional plants and integrate this knowledge into advanced bioscience innovation.

• Torres, C. M., & Repke, D. B. (2014). Anadenanthera: visionary plant of ancient South America. Routledge.
• de Araújo, D. R. C., da Silva, L. C. N., Harand, W., Fernandes, J. M., da Cunha Soares, T., Langassner, S. M. Z., … & dos Santos Correia, M. T. (2017). Effects of Rainfall on the Antimicrobial Activity and Secondary Metabolites Contents of Leaves and Fruits of Anadenanthera colubrina from Caatinga Area. Pharmacognosy Journal, 9(4).
• Soares, E. L., Landi, L. A. D. C., Souza, C. N. D., & Gasparino, E. C. (2022). Polyads types of the mimosoid clade (Caesalpinioideae, Fabaceae): size and pollen numbers variations. Grana, 61(1), 45-66.
• Bowen, I. H., Corrigan, D., Cubbin, I. J., de Smet, P. A. G. M., Hänsel, R., Sonnenborn, U. & Woerdenbag, H. J. (2012). Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs 2 (Vol. 2). Springer Science & Business Media.

Conclusion

Anadenanthera colubrina (Cebil) seeds offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural and botanical heritage of South America. By choosing our sustainably harvested seeds from Peru, you are not only embracing a product of great historical significance but also supporting the preservation of traditional knowledge and sustainable practices. Incorporate Cebil seeds into your life and connect with a legacy that spans centuries and continents.