Peyote Alkaloids: Identification in the Mexican Cactus Pelecyphora aselliformis Ehrenberg
Science – June 09, 1972
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Mescaline, a well-known psychedelic, has been identified in a previously unreported North American cactus, Pelecyphora aselliformis, expanding the understanding of traditional medicine. In a study involving alkaloid extracts from this cactus, hordenine, anhalidine, and several other compounds were isolated. Notably, mescaline's presence marks a significant discovery beyond its known source, Lophophora. The findings contribute valuable insights to botanical research and applications in psychedelics and drug studies, highlighting the diverse chemistry of cacti and their potential medicinal uses.
Abstract
Hordenine, anhalidine, pellotine, 3-demethyltrichocereine, mescaline, 3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethylamine, and the N -monomethyl derivatives of mescaline and 3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethylamine have been isolated or identified, or both, in alkaloid extracts of a Mexican "peyote" cactus, Pelecyphora aselliformis Ehrenberg. This is the first report of the occurrence of some of these alkaloids, including mescaline, in a North American cactus other than Lophophora .