Peyote Alkaloids: Identification in a Prehistoric Specimen of Lophophora from Coahuila, Mexico
Science – March 31, 1978
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A remarkable discovery reveals that a prehistoric specimen of Lophophora, dating between A.D. 810 and 1070, contains five alkaloids: mescaline, anhalonine, lophophorine, pellotine, and anhalonidine. This specimen, found in a burial cave in Coahuila, Mexico, is among the oldest ever analyzed for alkaloid content. The identification of these compounds not only enhances our understanding of ancient ethnobotanical practices but also highlights the significance of psychedelics in prehistory. With this data, the intersection of archaeology and drug studies becomes increasingly rich.
Abstract
Mescaline, anhalonine, lophophorine, pellotine, and anhalonidine have been identified in alkaloid extracts of a prehistoric specimen of Lophophora from a burial cave in west central Coahuila, Mexico. The specimen is associated with radiocarbon dates of A.D. 810 to 1070 and is one of the oldest materials ever submitted to alkaloid analysis.