The Analysis and Distribution of Mescaline in Postmortem Tissues
Journal of Analytical Toxicology – September 01, 2003
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Mescaline, a hallucinogenic alkaloid from the peyote cactus, was detected in significant concentrations during a forensic toxicology analysis of a death by gunshot wounds. Blood samples revealed mescaline levels of 2.95 mg/L, while vitreous humor showed 2.36 mg/L. In liver and brain tissues, concentrations were even higher at 8.2 mg/kg and 2.2 mg/kg, respectively. The study utilized advanced techniques like gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to accurately identify and quantify mescaline, contributing valuable insights into its distribution in cases of poisoning and overdose treatments.
Abstract
Mescaline (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine) is a hallucinogenic alkaloid found in the peyote cactus. This report documents mescaline distribution in a death caused by multiple gunshot wounds. Mescaline was extracted with a butyl chloride liquid-liquid method and identified by mass spectrometry. Quantitative analysis was performed by gas chromatography using a nitrogen-phosphorus detector. Concentrations of the drug were 2.95 mg/L, 2.36 mg/L, 8.2 mg/kg, and 2.2 mg/kg in blood, vitreous, liver, and brain, respectively.