Effect of Peyote on Human Chromosomes
JAMA – October 20, 1975
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A compelling finding reveals that long-term ingestion of peyote, a mescaline-rich cactus used traditionally by the Huichol Indians for over 1,600 years, does not lead to chromosomal abnormalities in lymphocytes. In a study involving 57 Huichol individuals with this cultural practice, no significant differences were found compared to 50 Huichol controls and 10 laboratory controls. This suggests that the physiological impact of psychedelics like mescaline may not adversely affect genetic integrity, providing insights into traditional medicine practices and their biochemical implications.
Abstract
Fify-seven Huichol Indians with a lifelong individual history and a 1,600-year cultural tradition of ingestion of peyote, a mescaline-containing cactus possessing hallucinogenic properties, were compared with 50 Huichol Indian controls and ten laboratory controls for effects on lymphocyte chromosomes. The frequency of abnormalities in the experimental and control groups did not differ significantly. Our results indicate that multigenerational ingestion of peyote is not associated with abnormalities in lymphocyte chromosomes.