​Cissampelos pareira L (Root)

Cissampelos pareira L (Root)

Product Name: Циссампелос парейра, Cissampelos pareira, Balsampfeilwinde, Abuta, Pareira brava, أبطه, หญ้ากำแพงเจ็ดชั้น, Абут, Абут, Abuta, Абут, Абут, Cissampelis pareira, Абут, אבוטה

Synonyms: Цисампелос парейра, Abuta, Velvetleaf, Pareira brava, Balsampfeilwinde, Liane abuta, أبطه, หญ้ากำแพงเจ็ดชั้น

Parts Used: leaves, stems, fruits, root, seeds

Main Indications for Cissampelos pareira Use: urolithiasis, chronic pyelonephritis, cystitis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, diarrhea, dysentery, arthritis, rheumatism, hypertension, malaria, viral infections, fever of unknown origin, snake bites.

Use of Cissampelos pareira in mixtures and complexes: chronic renal failure, systemic lupus erythematosus, pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, psoriasis, eczema, neurodermatitis, infertility, chronic prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, oncological diseases as part of supportive therapy.

Pharmacological Properties of Cissampelos pareira: anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, immunostimulating, antioxidant, hypotensive, analgesic, antipyretic, antitumor, diuretic, uterotonic, bronchodilatory, hepatoprotective, antitoxic.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Cissampelos pareira

Powder — Cissampelos pareira

Indications (Powder): urolithiasis, chronic pyelonephritis, cystitis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, diarrhea, dysentery, arthritis, rheumatism, hypertension, malaria, viral infections, fever of unknown origin, snake bites.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 1.5–3 g of powder 2–3 times a day, taken with warm water or a decoction of mild herbs.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 4–5 g of powder 3 times a day for acute bacterial cystitis, bronchitis with pronounced spasm, acute arthritis.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): 6 g of powder 3 times a day, allowed for no more than 7 days, for severe inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract and acute attacks of bronchial asthma as part of combination therapy.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 1–1.5 g of powder 1 time a day in courses of 30 days, 2–3 times a year, for chronic cystitis, recurrent bronchitis, in patients over 50 years of age to prevent exacerbations.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): for children from 6 years of age, weighing more than 20 kg — 0.5–1 g of powder 1–2 times a day; under 12 years of age use only as prescribed by a physician.

Contraindications (Powder): individual intolerance, pregnancy, lactation; no contraindication data scientifically registered for children under 6 years of age.

Side Effects (Powder): in case of overdose — nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lowering of blood pressure.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg reduce the dose by 25%, for body weight above 90 kg increase the dose by 15%.

Preparation method (Powder): take 100 g of thoroughly dried root, grind to a powder using a stainless steel mill, sift through a 0.5 mm mesh sieve. Store in an airtight container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in a dry, dark place at a temperature of 15–25 °C, protect from moisture and electromagnetic fields, shelf life — 24 months, after opening use within 3 months.

Dry Extract — Cissampelos pareira

Indications (Dry Extract): chronic pyelonephritis, cystitis, bronchitis, inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, arthritis, rheumatism, hypertension, malaria, viral infections, fever of unknown origin, snake bites.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 0.5–1 g of dry extract 2 times a day, taken with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 1.5 g of dry extract 2–3 times a day for acute inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system, acute rheumatoid arthritis.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): 2 g of dry extract 3 times a day, course no more than 10 days, for severe acute inflammatory diseases as part of combination therapy.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 0.5 g 1 time a day in courses of 20 days, 3 times a year, for chronic cystitis, chronic bronchitis, arthrosis in patients over 40 years of age.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): for children from 8 years of age, weighing more than 25 kg — 0.25–0.5 g 1–2 times a day, under 8 years of age — only as prescribed by a physician.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): individual intolerance; no contraindication data scientifically registered for pregnancy, lactation, and children under 8 years of age.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): in case of overdose — nausea, vomiting, headache, transient lowering of blood pressure.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg reduce the dose by 20%, for body weight above 90 kg increase by 10%.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): pour 1 liter of purified water over ground root (100 g), heat to 90 °C, extract at this temperature for 2 hours, filter, evaporate to a thick extract, then dry at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C to a powder state.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in a tightly closed container, in a dry, cool, light-protected place, at a temperature of 10–20 °C, shelf life — 24 months, after opening use within 2 months.

Tincture — Cissampelos pareira

Indications (Tincture): chronic pyelonephritis, acute bacterial cystitis, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, arthritis, rheumatism, malaria, viral infections, fever of unknown origin, snake bites.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 5–10 ml of tincture 2–3 times a day after meals, diluted in 50 ml of warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 15 ml 3 times a day for acute inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system, pronounced rheumatoid arthritis, severe attacks of bronchial asthma (as part of combination therapy).

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 20 ml 3 times a day, course up to 7 days, for severe acute infections and inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract, bronchopulmonary system as part of combination therapy.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 5 ml 1 time a day in courses of 20 days, 2–3 times a year, for chronic cystitis, chronic bronchitis, in patients with recurrent inflammatory joint diseases.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): for children from 12 years of age — 1 ml per 10 kg of body weight 2 times a day, dilute the tincture beforehand in warm water; for children under 12 years of age use only as prescribed by a physician.

Contraindications (Tincture): individual intolerance, alcoholism, acute liver diseases; no contraindication data scientifically registered for pregnancy, lactation, and children under 12 years of age.

Side Effects (Tincture): in case of overdose — nausea, vomiting, dizziness, central nervous system depression.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg reduce the dose by 25%, for body weight above 90 kg increase by 15%.

Preparation method (Tincture): pour 500 ml of 70% ethanol over ground dry root (100 g), infuse in a dark place at a temperature of 18–22 °C for 14 days, shaking daily. After infusion, filter through cheesecloth, store in an airtight container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in a dark place at a temperature of 10–20 °C, protect from direct sunlight and heat sources, shelf life — 36 months, after opening use within 6 months.

Serum — Cissampelos pareira

Indications (Serum): inflammatory skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis), skin hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory erythema, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, rosacea, accelerated skin aging (photoaging), decreased skin elasticity.

Standard Dosage (Serum): apply 0.5–1 ml of serum to cleansed skin 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Serum): apply 1–1.5 ml of serum 2 times a day for pronounced hyperpigmentation, active inflammatory skin diseases, post-acne.

Maximum Dosage (Serum): apply up to 2 ml of serum 2 times a day, course up to 4 weeks, for severe skin inflammation, actively progressing photoaging.

Preventive Dosage (Serum): apply 0.5 ml of serum 1 time a day, in courses of 30 days, 2–3 times a year, for chronic inflammatory skin diseases in remission, in patients over 35 years of age to prevent photoaging.

Pediatric Dosage (Serum): for external use in children from 6 years of age — no more than 0.25 ml 1 time a day, if necessary as prescribed by a physician; in children under 6 years of age there are no safety data.

Contraindications (Serum): individual intolerance, open wounds, active skin infections; no contraindication data scientifically registered for pregnancy, lactation, and children under 6 years of age.

Side Effects (Serum): in case of overdose — local skin irritation, itching, redness, peeling.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as this form is intended for external use.

Preparation method (Serum): to prepare 100 g of serum, take 5 g of dry root extract, 80 g of distilled water, 10 g of coconut oil, 3 g of glycerin, 2 g of lecithin. Melt the coconut oil at 40 °C, mix with glycerin and lecithin until an emulsion is obtained, separately dissolve the dry extract in water, then combine both phases at 35–40 °C, stir until homogeneous, package into sterile bottles with a dropper.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in a refrigerator at a temperature of 4–8 °C, protect from light, shelf life — 6 months, after opening use within 30 days.

Cream — Cissampelos pareira

Indications (Cream): atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, skin hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory erythema, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, rosacea, accelerated skin aging (photoaging), decreased skin elasticity.

Standard Dosage (Cream): apply 1–2 g of cream to the affected skin area 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): apply 2–3 g of cream 2 times a day for severe skin inflammation, active rashes, intense hyperpigmentation.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): apply up to 4 g of cream 2 times a day, course up to 4 weeks, for actively progressing photoaging and severe inflammatory skin lesions.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): apply 1 g of cream 1 time a day, in courses of 30 days, 2–3 times a year, for chronic dermatoses in remission, in patients over 35 years of age to prevent photoaging.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): for external use in children from 6 years of age — no more than 0.5 g of cream 1 time a day, if necessary — only as prescribed by a physician; in children under 6 years of age there are no safety data.

Contraindications (Cream): individual intolerance, open wounds, active skin infections; no contraindication data scientifically registered for pregnancy, lactation, and children under 6 years of age.

Side Effects (Cream): in case of overdose — skin irritation, itching, redness, peeling.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as this form is intended for external use.

Preparation method (Cream): to prepare 100 g of cream, take 5 g of dry root extract, 60 g of coconut oil, 25 g of distilled water, 5 g of beeswax, 3 g of lecithin, 2 g of glycerin. Melt the coconut oil and beeswax in a water bath at 60 °C, add lecithin and glycerin, stir until homogeneous. Separately dissolve the dry extract in water, then combine both phases at 40 °C, stir until an emulsion is obtained, cool to room temperature and package into sterile jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in a refrigerator at a temperature of 4–8 °C, protect from light, shelf life — 6 months, after opening use within 45 days.

Mask — Cissampelos pareira

Indications (Mask): skin hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory erythema, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, rosacea, accelerated skin aging (photoaging), decreased skin elasticity, dry skin, uneven complexion.

Standard Dosage (Mask): apply 3–5 g of mask to cleansed facial or body skin 1–2 times a week, leaving for 15–20 minutes.

Enhanced Dosage (Mask): apply 5–7 g of mask 2–3 times a week for pronounced hyperpigmentation, active acne, noticeable loss of skin elasticity.

Maximum Dosage (Mask): apply up to 10 g of mask 3 times a week, course up to 4 weeks, for actively progressing photoaging and severe inflammatory skin conditions.

Preventive Dosage (Mask): apply 3 g of mask 1 time a week in courses of 8 weeks, 2 times a year, in patients with dry or sensitive skin to maintain its health and elasticity.

Pediatric Dosage (Mask): external use in children from 10 years of age — no more than 2 g of mask 1 time a week; in children under 10 years of age there are no safety data.

Contraindications (Mask): individual intolerance, open wounds, active purulent skin infections; no contraindication data scientifically registered for pregnancy, lactation, and children under 10 years of age.

Side Effects (Mask): in case of overdose — dry skin, peeling, irritation.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as this form is intended for external use.

Preparation method (Mask): to prepare 100 g of mask, take 20 g of root powder, 60 g of coconut oil, 15 g of white cosmetic clay, 5 g of glycerin. Melt the coconut oil at 40 °C, mix with root powder and glycerin, then gradually add the cosmetic clay, stir until a homogeneous paste is obtained.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in a tightly closed container, in a refrigerator at a temperature of 4–8 °C, shelf life — 3 months, after opening use within 30 days.

Oil Infusion — Cissampelos pareira

Indications (Oil Infusion): chronic arthritis, rheumatism, myalgia, neuralgia, inflammatory joint diseases, dry skin, cracked skin, eczema in the chronic stage, hypopigmentation of the skin, post-traumatic scars.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): external application of 3–5 ml of oil to the affected area 1–2 times a day, gentle rubbing for 3–5 minutes.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): 5–8 ml 2 times a day for pronounced joint pain, intense dry skin, chronic inflammatory processes in muscles.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): 10 ml 2 times a day, course up to 3 weeks, for severe chronic inflammatory joint diseases and severe dry skin.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): 2–3 ml 1 time a day in courses of 20 days, 2 times a year, in patients with chronic arthritis and dry skin during the cold season.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): for children from 7 years of age — 1–2 ml of oil 1 time a day, rub only into intact skin; under 7 years of age there are no safety data.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): individual intolerance, open wounds, acute purulent skin infections; no contraindication data scientifically registered for pregnancy, lactation, and children under 7 years of age.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): in case of overdose — local skin irritation, rashes, itching.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as this form is intended for external use.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): to prepare 100 g of product, take 20 g of dry ground root, 80 g of coconut oil. Mix in a glass container, keep in a water bath at 50 °C for 3 hours, stirring periodically, then cool and filter through cheesecloth, pour into a dark glass bottle.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in a tightly closed dark glass container, in a dark place at a temperature of 10–20 °C, protect from moisture and sunlight, shelf life — 12 months, after opening use within 3 months.

Ointment — Cissampelos pareira

Indications (Ointment): arthritis, rheumatism, myalgia, neuralgia, chronic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema in remission, hypopigmentation of the skin, post-traumatic scars, cracked skin.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): apply 2–3 g of ointment to the affected area 1–2 times a day, gently rubbing until fully absorbed.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): apply 4–5 g 2 times a day for pronounced joint pain, chronic skin inflammation, pronounced dry skin.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): up to 6 g 2 times a day, course no more than 3 weeks, for severe inflammatory processes in joints or intense dry skin.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): 1–2 g 1 time a day in courses of 30 days, 1–2 times a year, in patients with chronic joint diseases and dry skin.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): for children from 6 years of age — 0.5–1 g of ointment 1 time a day; in children under 6 years of age there are no safety data.

Contraindications (Ointment): individual intolerance, open wounds, acute purulent skin infections; no contraindication data scientifically registered for pregnancy, lactation, and children under 6 years of age.

Side Effects (Ointment): in case of overdose — skin irritation, redness, itching.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as this form is intended for external use.

Preparation method (Ointment): to prepare 100 g of ointment, take 15 g of root powder, 70 g of coconut oil, 10 g of beeswax, 5 g of lanolin. Melt the coconut oil and wax at 60 °C, add the root powder and lanolin, stir in a water bath for 20 minutes, then cool to 40 °C and stir until homogeneous.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in a dark place at a temperature of 10–20 °C, in a tightly closed container, shelf life — 12 months, after opening use within 2 months.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Cissampelos pareira

Animal studies have shown that with oral administration of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Cissampelos pareira in acute and subchronic doses, there were no signs of significant toxicity. In an experiment on rats, the LD₅₀ value for the aqueous extract was determined to exceed 2000 mg/kg body weight, indicating a low level of acute toxicity. With chronic administration at therapeutic doses, no pathological changes in internal organs were recorded. Local tolerance upon external application is good; no skin or mucosal irritation reactions were observed.

Reference: https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7...

Pharmacodynamics — Cissampelos pareira

Cissampelos pareira contains a complex of biologically active compounds, including isoquinoline alkaloids, flavonoids, lignans, and terpenoids, which determine its pharmacodynamic profile. The alkaloid components exhibit the ability to interact with mediator systems, involving serotonergic, dopaminergic, and cholinergic pathways, which is reflected in the regulation of smooth muscle tone, vascular reactivity, and secretory activity. Flavonoids and lignans exhibit pronounced antioxidant activity, stabilizing cell membranes and reducing the intensity of free radical processes. Plant extracts have a modulating effect on the activity of enzymes involved in the synthesis and degradation of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, leading to a reduction in inflammatory reactions.

The plant demonstrates a significant immunotropic effect, including through its action on the functions of macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes. Studies have shown a stimulating effect on phagocytic activity and modulation of cytokine production, allowing for a balanced immune system response. At the level of the nervous system, sedative and anxiolytic effects are observed, partially due to the alkaloid complex capable of interacting with GABA receptors.

For the cardiovascular system, the ability to reduce peripheral vascular resistance due to a direct effect on vascular smooth muscle cells and an indirect effect through the endothelium is noted. With respect to the respiratory system, extracts have a spasmolytic effect on bronchial smooth muscles, associated with an effect on calcium channels and mediator regulation of tone. For the gastrointestinal tract, a moderate stimulating effect on peristalsis at low doses and a spasmolytic effect at high doses are characteristic, which may be related to the dose-dependent effect on intestinal musculature.

Upon topical application, pronounced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the skin, reduced transepidermal water loss, and stimulation of regenerative processes in the epidermis and dermis are observed. The antimicrobial spectrum of action covers a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as some fungi, which is associated with the destruction of microbial membranes and inhibition of their enzymatic activity.

References: https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7...  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418...

Pharmacokinetics — Cissampelos pareira

Data on the pharmacokinetics of Cissampelos pareira are limited, however, taking into account the chemical composition, general patterns characteristic of its main groups of compounds can be identified. Upon oral administration, alkaloids and flavonoids are absorbed mainly in the small intestine, partially undergoing hydrolysis and transformation under the action of intestinal microflora. The absorption process is enhanced in the presence of a lipid medium, which is relevant for oil-based forms.

After absorption, active substances are distributed to highly vascularized organs — the liver, kidneys, lungs, as well as tissues with high lipid content. Some flavonoids bind to plasma proteins, providing their longer systemic presence. Alkaloids can accumulate in tissues with high blood flow and cross the blood-brain barrier, exerting an effect on the central nervous system.

Metabolism of active compounds occurs primarily in the liver with the participation of cytochrome P450 enzymes, conjugation with glucuronic and sulfuric acids. The resulting metabolites are in most cases less active, but sometimes retain biological activity.

Elimination occurs mainly through the kidneys in the form of metabolites in the urine, a smaller part — with bile through the intestines. With external application (creams, ointments, oils), systemic absorption is minimal, the active substances exert their effect locally in the skin and subcutaneous tissues, and their elimination occurs slowly, mainly with natural epidermal renewal. With inhalation administration of fine particles of plant powder, absorption occurs through the respiratory mucous membranes followed by systemic distribution.

References: https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7...  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Cissampelos pareira

The pharmacological activity of Cissampelos pareira is determined by a complex of isoquinoline alkaloids (including aporphine derivatives), flavonoids, lignans, terpenoids, and phytosterols. Alkaloids are capable of modulating the activity of serotonin and dopamine receptors, as well as influencing GABAergic transmission, which is manifested in the regulation of excitability of the central and peripheral nervous system. The plant demonstrates inhibitory effects on cyclooxygenase (COX-1, COX-2) and lipoxygenase (LOX) cascade enzymes, leading to a reduction in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Flavonoids and polyphenols activate antioxidant enzyme systems (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase), reducing oxidative cell damage. Experimental data also indicate the ability of plant extracts to suppress the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB and modulate the MAPK and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, which is associated with the regulation of cytokine production, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. In vitro laboratory studies demonstrate an effect on the calcium channels of smooth muscle and endothelial cells, which determines spasmolytic and vasodilatory effects.

References: https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7...  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418...

Synergy — Cissampelos pareira

Scientific studies indicate that Cissampelos pareira may exhibit pronounced pharmacological synergy with other plant and natural substances that have similar or complementary mechanisms of action. Combined use with plant raw materials rich in flavonoids and polyphenols leads to potentiation of antioxidant activity due to an additive increase in the activity of antioxidant defense enzyme systems. In combination with plants containing terpenoids and essential oils, an enhancement of the anti-inflammatory effect is observed due to synchronous inhibition of COX and LOX cascades, as well as modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Extracts of Cissampelos pareira in combination with sources of alkaloids acting on GABA and serotonin receptors exhibit a potentiating sedative and muscle relaxant effect at the central and peripheral levels. Studies also note a modulating effect when used together with immunoactive plant extracts, leading to a balance in the production of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators, including through the regulation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway activity.

References: https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7...  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep....

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Cissampelos pareira

Cissampelos pareira has a broad ethnobotanical geography covering South and Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. In India, the plant is known in the Ayurvedic tradition as a remedy used in the form of decoctions and infusions, as well as pastes for external use. In South Indian and Sri Lankan villages, the root and leaves were used as powder and hot compresses, combined with oils in procedures aimed at restoring the body’s balance. In Chinese folk medicine, Cissampelos pareira is mentioned in ancient herbalists as a component of multi-ingredient formulas used as infusions, alcohol extracts, and decoctions. In Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, the plant is traditionally included in cleansing and strengthening formulas, where the root, stem, and leaves are used, including in oil macerates.

In Latin America, especially in Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela, the plant is known as "abuta" and occupies a prominent place in the folk medicine of Amazonian tribes. Here it is used in the form of decoctions and macerates, applied both internally and externally, as well as in steam inhalations. Among the indigenous peoples of the Amazon, Cissampelos pareira was considered a "plant of power" and was used by shamans in purification rituals accompanied by chanting and fumigation.

On the African continent, the plant is found in the folk practice of some communities in East and West Africa, where its root and aerial parts were used as aqueous and oil infusions. In certain areas of Nigeria and Ghana, it was included in traditional remedies, and in Bantu cultures it was used in rituals of protection and cleansing of dwellings.

Historical references to Cissampelos pareira are found in Ayurvedic treatises dating back more than a thousand years, in Chinese medical records from the Ming era, as well as in colonial descriptions by Spanish and Portuguese missionaries in South America from the 16th–17th centuries. In some cultures, the plant was used as a talisman, and dried parts were hung in homes or worn in pouches around the neck for protection against the "evil eye." In several regions, the root was also used as a smoking component in ritual ceremonies associated with initiation and divination.