Narcotic and Hallucinogenic Cacti of the New World By Michael S. Smith June, 1998 This list of cacti comprises many of the know genera and species of cacti that are considered narcotic, hallucinogenic, medicinal, or that are considered forms of peyote among numerous tribes and peoples of Mexico. Though 30 cactus species are known as peyote not all have a history of recorded usage as narcotics or hallucinogens. Some seem to be called peyote in name only, while others may have purely medicinal uses. Also included are 16 non-cactaceae peyote species and a number of species that are known to have been used as narcotics, hallucinogens, or medicines, but which do not bear the title peyote. Though Lophophora williamsii is the cactus most associated with the name "peyote" many others carry this or other similar titles. This may be due to their use as inebrients in their own right, or their use in combination with, or as replacements for, Lophophora williamsii. This name may also be simply the result of their having some superficial resemblance to L.williamsii, such as Astrophytum asterias. But in some cases the resemblance is not apparent, such as in the many Ariocarpus and Mammillaria known as peyote. Some might conjecture that resemblance to L. williamsii alone dictates many being called peyote, but this makes it more likely that those lacking resemblance are species that have common effects, whether that be narcotic, hallucinogenic, or medicinal. The fact that some of these cacti have physical features similar to L. williamsii (such as O. denegrii, S. disciformis, and T. pseudomacrochele) makes it all the more probable that the indians either through accident or intention experimented with a number of them. L. williamsii is commonly known as a medicinal panacea and it is likely that some of these other species are called peyote not for their effectiveness as hallucinogens, but rather for their effectiveness as medicinal agents. Many of these species are carriers of powerful Tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ) and Phenethylamine (PEA) alkaloids, but it would be wrong to assume that the psychological effects would mimic that of L. williamsii, a species which carries upwards of 60 different alkaloids. L. williamsii is also the only chemically analyzed species, besides many Trichocerei, whose major psychoactive alkaloid is mescaline. With the exception of Aztekium ritterii, Lophophora diffusa, and Pelecyphora aselliformis, all which contain very minimal amounts of mescaline, no other peyote species have been found to contain mescaline (Shulgin & Starha, personal communication). What must be taken into consideration in regards to the possible psychological effects of these various alkaloids is the religio-magical use of these cacti in traditional Shamanism. Practitioners of Shamanism have been known to employ numerous methods to alter their state of awareness and these would likely be employed in conjunction with the ingestion of these cacti, thereby altering the overall psychological experience produced by the alkaloids themselves. Unfortunately the people most associated with the use of the many peyote species, the Tarahumara of Mexico, are rapidly disappearing before further ethnological and ethnobotanical studies can be done. One thing left undocumented is how these species were selected, prepared, or what quantity was used. This makes any future use of these cactus a hazardous affair, a danger which should not be understated. The inert powers of many of these species will go unknown until modern experimenters begin the search again, this time without the help of countless years of native knowledge. [All species carrying the titles peyotl, peyote, or the diminutive title peyotillo, will be marked with the letter "P" following the reference number to its mention in the literature. A few additional species are mentioned due to their interesting alkaloids compositions. I have also included a listing of non-cactaceae plants that carry the name peyote or other similar titles.]
CACTACEAE: Ariocarpus agavoides: This peyote is known to local inhabitants as "magueyitos" (little agaves) and is sometimes collected and eaten by children for its sweet taste. Ariocarpus species are also known as Roseocactus. 1/P N,N-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenethylamine N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine Hordenine Ariocarpus fissuratus: Though it contains no mescaline it is considered by the Tarahumara to be more powerful than L. williamsii and is used by them as a narcotic and magical plant. That this plant is considered stronger than L. williamsi is rather impresive considering its minimal alkaloid composition. It is often made into a drink which it is said causes robbers to be powerless to steal anything. Also used to remedy fevers and ease rheumatic pains. I am aware of one modern account of an individual who ingested a tea made from the cacti with a couple friends. His report states very narcotic, but non-hallucinogenic, effects and that one individual with severe neck pain had felt relief. It is often called "sunami," "hikuli sunami," "chautle," "peyote cimarron" (wild peyote), or "living rock," and is considered a "false peyote." 1/P, 2, 5/P, 9, 7/P, 8/P, 10/P, 4/P Hordenine N-methyltyramine N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine Ariocarpus kotschoubeyanus: Called "pezuna de venado" (cloved hoof of the deer) or "pata de venado" (deer's foot). These titles are interesting not only because of the shape of the tubercles, but also due to the relationship of deer symbolism to L. williamsii, the primary peyote cactus. 1/P, 7/P Hordenine N-methyltyramine Ariocarpus retusus: The Huichol classify this species as a "false peyote" due to its undesirable effects, claiming that it is an evil plant that will drive people mad if ingested, and which can also cause permanent insanity. Because this plant is apparently so feared, and contains a very interesting alkaloid composition, it makes a strong candidate for further study as a true hallucinogen. Called "chautle" or "chaute." 1/P, 2/P, 5/P, 9, 7/P, 10/P Hordenine N-methyltyramine N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine N-methyl-4-hydroxyphenethylamine N-methyl-4-methoxyphenethylamine Retusin (3,3,4,7-Tetramethoxy-5-hydroxyflavone) Astrophytum asterias: Though being a cactus that would make a likely candidate as peyote due to its similar appearance to L. williamsii, it is claimed by Schultes that even this cactus is "either narcotic or medicinal.” "Peyotillo." 1/P, 5/P, 7/P, 8/P, 4/P Astrophytum capricorne: "Peyotillo," "beznaga de estropajo" (carrot-like vegetable sponge). 1/P, 5/P, 7/P Astrophytum myriostigma: "Peyotillo," "peyote cimarron," "mitra," or "birrete de obispo" (bishop's cap). Showing positive on alkaloid tests; unpublished. 1/P, 5/P, 7/P, 8/P Aztekium ritterii: A very interesting cactus that lacks ethnobotanical information. "Peyotillo." 1/P, 5/P, 7/P N-methyltyramine Hordenine Anhalidine Mescaline N,N-3,4dimethoxy PHA Pellotine 3-methoxytyramine Carnegiea gigantea: Though being a carrier of many interesting alkaloids this species is not known to be used as an hallucinogen or narcotic, but it is well known for its medicinal properties. One known use is to combat rheumatism. The fruits are valued for both food and use in winemaking. 5 3-methoxytyramine 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine 3,4 dimethoxy-5-hydroxyphenethylamine 3,5 dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenethylamine Arizonine Dopamine Heliamine Heliamine, dehydro Mescaline Tyramine Carnegine Gigantine (5-hydroxycarnegine) Salsolidine (Norcarnegine) Salsolidine, dehydro Coryphantha compacta: This species is considered a kind of peyote. It is ingested by shamans as a potent medicine which is both respected and feared. "Bakana," "Bakanawa," "Hikuli," "Wichuri." 5/P, 10/P Coryphantha elephantidens: This species, and the one other marked as "personal communication," were found by an acquaintance in a Mexico City market and were being called peyote by the seller. With a note of caution my acquaintance went on to say that it is possible that to some in Mexico all cacti are generally called peyote. Chemical reports, and the fact that it is being sold in the market, may be indicators of its medicinal use. Personal Communication/P Hordenine N-methyltyramine N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine N-methyl-4-methoxyphenethylamine Macromerine Synephrine 4-methoxy-(-hydroxyphenethylamine Coryphantha macromeris: Reportedly used as a traditional hallucinogen. K. Trout states that a bioassay experience “had been very mild and very strange, with many waves of intense nausea and extremely persistent after effects, such as distorted vision and a very weird feeling of unreality lasting for weeks after its use.” "Donana." 5 Macromerine Normacromerine Coryphantha macromeris v. runyonii: Reportedly used in northern Mexico. Also known as C. runyonii and once considered a Lepidocoryphantha. Due to its more complex alkaloid make-up this cacti may be a much stronger candidate as a narcotic or hallucinogenic than the standard C. macromeris. "Donana." 9 (1980 edition) Hordenine Macromerine N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine Normacromerine N-formylmacromerine N-formylnormacromerine N-methyl-4-hydroxytyramine N-methyl-4-methoxyphenethylamine Metanephrine N-methylmetanephrine N-methyltyramine Synephrine Tyramine Coryphantha palmeri: Has been reportedly used as an hallucinogen in Mexico. Showing positive on alkaloid test; unpublished. 5, 10 Dolichothele spp: Some Dolichothele species are synonymous with, or have been incorporated into, Mammillaria. 9/P Dolichothele longimamma: This cactus is better known as Mammillaria longimamma. "Peyotillo." 7/P, 8/P Normacromerine Synephrine N-methyl-4-methoxy-b-hydroxyphenethylamine (longimammin) 6-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,2,3,4,-tetrahydroisquinoline longimammosine) 8-hydroxy-2-methyl-THIQ (longimammidine) 6-methoxy -THIQ (longimammatine) 4,8-dihydroxy-2-methyl-THIQ (longimammamine) Echinocactus spp: The mention of this genus in the early literature may be a misunderstanding in past nomenclature as Lophophora williamsii was once considered an Echinocactus. 9/P Echinocactus grusonii: The common Golden Barrel Cactus. Its being sold at market as peyote may possibly suggest medicinal usage. Personal Communication/P Echinocactus visnaga: This barrel cactus may possibly be the Huichol peyote known as "aikutsi." This species' juice is said to be mixed with peyote and eaten so as to prevent one from becoming too intoxicated. Its tentative identification as a "false peyote" was suggested by James Bauml of the Los Angeles County Arboretum. 6/P Echinocereus salm-dyckianus: A "false peyote" sometimes called "pitallito" or "hikuri" and which is considered weaker that the other peyote cacti. Said to have "high mental qualities." It is sung to by the Tarahumara as it is being collected. 5/P, 10/P Echinocereus triglochidiatus: A "Pitallito" said to have "high mental qualities". Like E. salm-dyckianus it is sung to during collecting. This weak "false peyote" was once thought to carry a "typtamine derivative" (Schultes and Hofmann, 1992), but published chemical studies have located only N,N-dimethylhistamine. Its seems probable that a clerical mistake resulted in the false publication. 5/P, 10/P N, N-dimethylhistamine Epithelantha micromeris: Valued by the Tarahumara as a narcotic that is said to "make the eyes large and clear to see sorcerers, to prolong life and to give speed to runners." It is also ingested as a stimulant and protector by runners. Reportedly it can drive evil people insane or throw them off cliffs. Considered a "false peyote" which is often called "hikuli mulato," the "dark skinned peyote". 5/P, 9, 10/P Tyramine N-methyltyramine Hordenine 3-methoxytyramine 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine Lophophora diffusa: Though apperently considered a peyote cactus, there appears to be a lack of ethnobotanical information pointing out any systematic usage. One report of ingestion exists to my knowledge, it verifies the hallucinogenic activity of this species, but claims a Tropane like intoxication. One of two well accepted species within the genus Lophophora. 2/P Hordenine Pellotine Anhalinine Anhalonidine Isopellotine N-methylmescaline Mescaline O-methylpellotine Lophophora williamsii: Many books and articles cover all aspects of this cactus' history, ethnobotany, and chemistry, the most indepth being E.F. Anderson’s “Peyote: The Divine Cactus.” This plant is the primary “Peyote” cactus and the most potent of all known mescaline containing cacti. Many forms of L. williamsii exist, many of which are classified as species themselves, but it is unlikely that they will ever gain recognition as such. L. williamsii is apperently a plant with many variations in growth and flower color, but such variations are not good indicators for taxon re-classification. (see Note #1) Mammillaria spp: Considered the most important "false peyotes" of the Tarahumara. Used as visual hallucinogens which are characterized by brilliant colors. During sleep the partaker is said to travel great distances. The top potion of the de-spined plant is considered the most powerful part. 9, 10/P Mammillaria craigii: This "peyotl" cactus is known to the Tarahumara as "wichuri" or "peyote de San Pedro." It is split open, occasionally roasted, and the inner tissue is used. 5/P, 10/P Mammillaria grahamii: Used in special ceremonies by shamans. Fruits are also said to produce effects. 10/P Mammillaria grahamii v. oliviae: This peyote cactus is often called "hikuri." 5/P Mammillaria heyderii: "Mammillaria heyderi is a little discussed species, which is reported to be used by the Tarahumaras. We first encountered this species in the Tarahumara-English dictionary compiled by the Swedish explorer Ivar Thord-Gray. Discussing sorcery and black magic among the Tarahumaras, Thord-Gray reports, that 'only the shaman is umeru-ame (powerful) enough to locate wizards and witches. To do this he will make medicine from ball-cactus wichu-ri-ki, which is greatly feared for its magical powers. This medicine will clear his vision. It matters not how well the suku-ru-ame (wizard, witch) is hidden, the shaman can see him clearly' ...Not only is this cactus useful for locating wizards and supplying food, but it is also used as a medicine to cure or relieve headaches. 'After the spines are removed, the plant is cut up into two or more pieces, roasted for a few minutes, and then part of the stuff is pushed into the ear.' ...(This) is corroborated by Bennett & Zingg, who describe the same manner of roasting the cactus before 'the soft center in pushed into the ear in the case of ear-ache or deafness.' Thord-Gray also reports that wichu-ri-ki is an important medicine that will prolong life, 'make the foot light and increase the speed of a runner in a race.' The Tarahumara name for the cacti listed by Bennett & Zingg is witculiki. Witculiki and wichu-ri-ki are possibly related to wichuwa-ka, which means 'crazy, demented, mad, insane, etc." (Bruhn and Bruhn, 1973) Known in Spanish as "biznaga de chilillos," with the edible red fruits called "chilitos." This species, and other latex-containing Mammillarias are often sold in the drug stalls of Mexico and are used as popular folk remedies. M. applanata, M. hemisphaerica and M. Meiacantha are generally believed to be M. heyderi. 2/P, 10/P N,-methyl-3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine Mammillaria longimamma: This cactus is sometimes called "peyotillo," or "peotillo." Once known as Dolichothele longimamma and sometimes still sold as such. 1/P, 5/P Mammillaria pectinifera: "Peyotillo," "cochinito" (little pig). Mammillaria pectinifera and Solisia pectinata are synonymous, Mammillaria pectinifera being the more accepted of the two names. 1/P, 5/P Mammillaria senilis: Synonymous with Mamillopsis senilis. Considered sacred. 5, 10/P Neoraimondia macrostibas: Used within the hallucinogenic beverage "cimora" made from T. pachanoi. The alkaloids of this cacti species are unknown, but the related N. arequipensis carries 3,5-Dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenethylamine and 3,4-Dimethoxyphenethylamine. 9 Obregonia denegrii: "Peyotillo," "obregona," "obregonita." This cactus is known as a peyote due to B.P. Reko's chemical studies which found that it contained alkaloids similar to those in the well known Ariocarpus (Roseocactus) peyote species. From this data alone comes the assumption of O. denegrii being a peyote species. Extracts of this cactus have been shown to have antibiotic activity. 1/P, 2/P, 5/P, 7/P Hordenine Tyramine N-methyltyramine Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum: A multi-purpose plant from which the juice of the young branches is employed by the Tarahumara to make the narcotic beverage "cawe," "chawe," or "wichowaka" (insanity). The beverage causes dizziness and visual hallucinations. It is also used for purely medicinal purposes. The related P. weberi contains upwards of 30 different alkaloids. 5, 9, 10 3,4-dimethoxyphenetylamine Salsolidine 3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenethylamine 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenethylamine Arizonine Carnegine Heliamine Isosolsoline Solsoline Pelecyphora aselliformis: A well known peyote cactus often called "peote," "peyotillo," "peotillo," "piote," and "peyote meco." A medicinal plant sold in drug markets in San Luis Potosi as a remedy for fevers and used for rheumatic pains. William Emboden claims to have witnessed the efficacy of this plant as a “psychomimetic.” Extracts have been shown to have antibiotic activity. 1/P, 2/P, 5/P, 7/P, 8/P, 10/P, 4/P Anhalidine Hordenine Tyramine N-methyltyramine Phenethylamine N-methylphenethylamine 4-methoxyphenethylamine N-methyl-4-methoxyphenethylamine 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine Mescaline N-methylmescaline Pellotine N,N-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine 3-dimethyltrichocereine Pelecyphora psuedopectinata: Considered a peyote species by the natives of Tamaulipas, but not generally refered to as such. Found to lack a close relation to P. aselliformis and could possibly be transfered to a different genus. 2/P, 5/P Hordenine Solisia pectinata: This species classification as a "peyotillo" may have been due to its initial misidentification as a Pelecyphora, a well known peyote cactus. No known recorded history of aboriginal use. "Cochinito" (little pig). This species has become better known as Mammillaria pectinifera. 2/P, 5/P, 7/P, 8/P N-methyltyramine Hordenine Strombocactus disciformis: A well known peyote species whose chemical analysis and subsequent publication is long overdue. This peyote species is by far one of the most beautiful species, unfortunately it is incredibly slow growing, but does well grafted. Showing positive on alkaloid tests. Unpublished. 1/P, 2/P, 5/P, 7/P, 8/P, 4/P Trichocereus brigesii: This plant was first recognized as an aboriginal inebrient in an essay written by Wade Davis, a student of R.E. Schultes, and published in a Harvard Botanical Leaflet in 1983. Wade Davis’ 1997 publication One River also makes mention of this plants use among indigenous populations in Peru. Testing shows this plant contains over 25 mg. of mescaline per 100 grams of fresh plant, equal with T. pachanoi. Three different varieties of this spieces are known, v. brevispinus, v. longispinus, and v. lageniformis. Monstrose forms can also be found in cultivation. This species is wonderful for grafting, but care must be taken with watering as it is more supseptable to rotting than T. pachanoi. 3/P, 11 (see note #2) 3-Methoxytyramine 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine 3,4-dimethoxy-5-hydroxyphenethylamine Tyramine 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenethylamine Mescaline Trichocereus macrogonus: One known report has claimed that this species is stronger than T. pachanoi, even though studies have shown mescaline concentrations of only 5 to 25 mg. per 100 grams of fresh plant. 11 3-Methoxytyramine 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine 3,4-dimethoxy-5-hydroxyphenethylamine Tyramine 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenethylamine Mescaline Trichocereus pachanoi: Trichocereus pachanoi is often know as the San Pedro cactus, but has numerous locality titles. Its ancient use has become altered by the integration of Catholic themes and pagan beliefs. It is still used to this date by native curanderos in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Often made into the hallucinogenic beverage "cimora" which can also include Iresine, Brugmansia, Datura, Pedilanthus tithymaloides, and Isotoma longiflora. Frequently the Tropane containing Brugmansia aurea or B. sanguinea are added. It is not certain if these plant additions increase the effects of the mescaline present or simply add a new component to the experience. Reports over the last few years seem to suggest that a natural mono amine oxidase inhibitor can be safely used to inhibit the mescaline destroying enzyme MAO, thereby allowing dosages to be halved for similar effect. The mescaline concentrations are 25 mg. per 100 grams of fresh material, but this can be quite variable as is shown by a 2.0 level of mescaline being found in a dried sample. This species is by far one of the best of grafting stocks and is often the base stock seen in numerous publication. Rib number is quite variable, ranging generally from 5 to 8, though occasionally the 4 ribbed “Cactus of the Four Winds” can be observed, but apperently 4 ribbed growth is an anomally and the plant returns to more ribs after a few inches of growth. The addition and subtraction of ribs during growth is quite common. Crestate and monstrose specimens can occasionally be found. I have also had the fortune of seeing a varigated T. pachanoi. This plants use as an hallucinogen is becoming much more common around the world and its use in grafting by members of the Native American Church could help save the natural populations of Lophophora williamsii. 1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 11 3-methoxytyramine 3-demethylmescaline 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine 3,4-dimethoxy-5-hydroxyphenethylamine 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenethylamine 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenethylamine Anhalonidine Anhalinine Hordenine Mescaline Tyramine Pellotine Trichocereus peruvianus: Chemical studies indicate that T. peruvianus contains mescaline levels nearly as high as lowest tested L. williamsii, but alkaloid levels can be quite variable from cactus to cactus. A single known study of the KK242 variety found the dried plant to contain .82 mescaline, nearly as high as L. williamsii’s range of 0.9 to 6.3 using dried material for analysis. Interestingly, dried T. pachanoi has also tested as high as 2.0, twice as high as the .82 recovery of T. peruvianus. K. Trout mentions this species as being a sacred cacti in Peru, but fails to give supporting ethnological data. Considering the relatively recent discovery of the native use of T. brigesii this should not be hard to believe. Though considered by most to be a species unto itself there still appears to be a lot of confusion regarding its proper identification. A few variations are known to be available domestically in the USA, including the KK242 variety from areas surrounding Matucana, Peru, and the short spined variety from Huancabamba, Peru, but many more local variations appear to exist. The short spined variation is nearly identical to T. pachanoi in its apperance; a mostrose form of it can also sometimes be found. It is quite possible that many misidentified plants are being sold as T. peruvianus, but it must also be noted that locality variations and hybrids do exist in cultivation and in nature, and that this may effect proper identification. 11 "Peruvian Torch", "Prickly Pear" Tyramine 3-Methoxytyramine Mescaline 2-chloromescaline 3-4-dimethoxyphenethylamine 4-hydroxy-3-5-dimethoxyphenethylamine Trichocereus werdemannianus: This is a very large and rapidy growing plant with many long formidable spines. Appearently there is no mention in the literature of native or contempory usage. 11 3-methoxytyramine 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine 3,4-dimethoxy-5-hydroxyphenethylamine 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenethylamine Mescaline (5 to 25 mg per 100 grams of fresh material) Tyramine Trichocereus validus: This species was found to have a rich alkaloid content, 50% of which is mescaline. Found to contain over 25 mg of mescaline per every 100 grams of fresh material. Also known as Echinopsis valida. Some confusion exists over which plant was used for the alkaloid study, the plant described by Backeberg, possibly becoming tree like and having white flowers, or the commonly sold clumper which has red flowers. 11 Mescaline Turbinicarpus pseudomacrochele: This cactus may have earned the name "peyotillo" simply due to statements suggesting that another peyote species grew in the area surrounding Queretaro besides Lophophora diffusa and Strombocactus disciformis, two known peyote cacti. 2/P, 5/P Hordenine Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus: Anderson's reference to this species as a peyote is the only one located. Chemical studies are needed. 1/P CRASSULACEAE: Cotyledon spp. 7/P Cotyledon caespitosa 7/P, 8/P COMPOSITAE: Cacalia spp. 7/P, 8/P, 10/P Cacalia cordifolia "Peyotl Xochimilcensi" 5/P, 7/P, 8/P, 10/P Cacalia decomposita 5/P Senecio spp. 5/P Senecio albo-lutescens 7/P Senecio calophyllus 7/P, 8/P Senecio cervariaefolius 5/P, 7/P Senecio elatus 5 (see note #3) Senecio grayanus 7/P Senecio hartwegii 5/P, 7/P, 8/P Senecio ovatifolius 8/P Senecio petasitis 8/P Senecio tolucanus 7/P BROMELIACEAE: Tillandsia mooreana 5 (see note #4) ORCHIDACEAE: Bletia campanulata 7/P Cranichis (?) speciosa 7/P Oncidium longifolium 5 (see note #5) LEGUMINOSEA: Rhynchosia longeracemosa 7/P, 8/P SOLANACEAE: Datura meteloides: Besides being a peyote species it is also considered to be one of the three toxic Solanaceae plants known as "Kieri" among the Huichol. Many Datura, and the related Brugmansia, are used throughout the world "in medicine (as an analgesic, for example), and in collective rituals, or individual divination, for communication with the deities." By the Tarahumara the plant is used as an additive to the maize based ceremonial drink known as "tesquino." It is believed to be inhabited by malevolent spirits. Datura meteloides is better known as D. inoxia. 7/P, 8/P (see note #6)
Notes: #1) These “species” are synonymous with L. williamsii; L. caespitosa, L. decipiens, L. echinata, L. fricii, L. jourdaniana, L. lutea, L. pentagona, L. pluricostata, L. texana, L. texensis, and L. ziegleri. There is also an L. echinata which is synonymous with L. diffusa, and which is most commonly refered to as L. echinata var. diffusa (Anderson, 1996). #2) Generally T. brigesii, T. macrogonus, and T. pachanoi are considered to contain 10x less mescaline than L. williamsii, but this statement can be quite decieving. Alkaloid content, even between plants of the same species, is quite variable, even in L. williamsii. This may be due to genetics, stress, soil composition, moisture, heat and light conditions, and seasonal variations. It also appears that age is a factor in chemical ratios, the older the plant the higher the alkaloid content, at least this appears to be so for mescaline (Trout, 1997). Alkaloid analysis for mescaline is best done in the Fall (Trout, 1997). #3) Senecio elatus is an additive to the tea made from Trichocereus pachanoi in some parts of South America. #4) Tillandsia mooreana is known as a peyote "companion." Also known as "Wararuwi." The related T. purpurea has been depicted on Mochica pottery which may suggest hallucinogenic or narcotic usage in the past. #5) Oncidium longifolium is known as a peyote replacement among the Tarahumara. Also known as O. cebolleta. Found to contain phenanthrene derivatives of unknown pharmacology. #6) This species contains Tropane alkaloids similar to those found in Belladonna, Henbane, and Mandrake, plants long known throughout the European continent and reputed to have been used for witchcraft. Though being condemed as heretical witches by their Christian comtemporaries, those women and men who used these plants could in fact be better understood as herbalist whose shamantically based religious inclinations prevented them from accepting the gradually more imposing puritanical religion. As the spreading Christian religion became more active in its hunt for demonic forces many of the visions produced by these plants became filled with a combination of pagan influences and anti-Christian themes, such as a coven of 12 female witches dominated by 1 male dressed as a goat. Though the anti-Christian visions never truly occured, the effects of these plants were so strong as to convince the partaker of their reality. Tropanes are very dangerous delirient and hallucinogenic chemicals that have been known to kill those foolhearty enough to try them. See Michael Harner's Hallucinogens and Shamanism.
References: 1) Anderson, Edward F. Peyote: The Divine Cactus. The University of Arizona Press, 1996. 2) Bruhn, Jan G., and Bruhn, Catarina. Alkaloids and Ethnobotany of Mexican Peyote Cacti and Related Species. Economic Botany 27: 241-251, 1973. 3) Davis, Wade. One River. Simon and Schuster, 1996. 4) Emboden, William. Narcotic Plants. The Macmillian Company, 1972. 5) Ott, Jonathan. Pharmacotheon. Natural Products Co., 1993. 6) Schaefer, Stacy B. and Furst, Peter T. The People of the Peyote: Huichol Indian History, Religion, and Survival. University of New Mexico Press, 1996. 7) Schultes, Richard Evans. Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) and Plants Confused With It. Botanical Museum Leaflets, Vol. 5, No. 5. Harvard University, 1937. 8) Schultes, Richard Evans. Peyote and Plants used in the Peyote Ceremony. Botanical Museum Leaflets, Vol. 4, No. 8. Harvard University, 1947. 9) Schultes, Richard Evans, and Hofmann, Albert. The Botany and Chemistry of Hallucinogens. Charles C. Thomas Publisher, 1973. 10) Schultes, Richard Evans and Hofmann, Albert. Plants of the Gods. Healing Arts Press, 1992. 11) Trout, K. Sacred Cacti and Some Selected Succulents. Narayan Publications, 1997.
Acknowledgements: To Alexander Shulgin, the author of PIHKAL (Phenethylamines I Have Known and Loved): A Chemical Love Story, for his generousity in allowing me to have access to his "Cactus Species Tabulation - Dec. 1995" which list cactus alkaloids and their publication references. To Dr. Roman Starha, of the University of Ostrava, for allowing me to review his own listing of cacti alkaloids. And lastly to K. Trout for his wonderful work, for which I am much indebted. Michael S. Smith June 1998
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