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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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