1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 No. 33-66450, 33-93938, No. 333-09169 and No. 333-30365) pertaining to
the 1992 Stock Option Plan of Shaman Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of our report dated
January 29, 1998, with respect to the financial statements of Shaman
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K/A) for the year
ended December 31, 1997.
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Palo Alto, California
May 21, 1998