Here are samples of harmalas extracted from ayahuasca vine:


The white one on the right was purified by repeated acid base extractions, 5 times.

The one on the left was purified by dissolving crude harmala extract into methanol, filtering and evaporating the solvent.

I thought that the sample on the right would be quite pure because the colour is so white, but attempting to melt it on foil, it doesnt melt, it burns and smells like plant material. The red crystals on the other hand melt and vaporize easily.

Many people say that acid base extraction is all thats needed to purify harmalas, I've seen fairly pure samples made in this way. Does anyone have any ideas why this sample is different? The method was to precipitate the alkaloids with base, decant most of the water and repeat thiz until the liquid is relatively clear, then filter the water, dissolve the residue into vinegar, filter, collect the liquid, then basify the liquid to preciptate the alkaloids and repeat this process 4x.