Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) contains alkaloids including pellotine, anhalonidine, hordenine, and mescaline. Mescaline produces psychoactive effects by activating the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, which triggers calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum. Research is evaluating mescaline's therapeutic potential, with outcomes strongly influenced by mindset and context (set and setting), including ceremonies and culture. This overview summarizes current knowledge on peyote and mescaline metabolism, mechanism of action, and clinical applications. It presents their potential benefits in a new light, exemplifying how nature-based, ritually enriched treatment can combine with innovative Western medicine.
Classic psychedelics LSD, psilocin, DMT, and mescaline do not directly alter the proliferation or cytokine release of primary human T lymphocytes, nor do they stimulate NF-κB induction in monocytes. These findings indicate no relevant direct immune-modulatory effects of these substances on the tested human immune cells in vitro. The results support the safety of using classic psychedelics in assisted psychotherapy for patients with life-threatening conditions where immune suppression would be harmful.