Analysis of over-the-counter analgesics purported to contain mescaline from the peyote cactus (Lophophora williamsii: Cactaceae)
Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas July 23, 2021 Robert Jean Leblanc, Sohan de Silva, Martin Terry 2 citations
Most commercial topical products claiming to contain peyote cactus (Lophophora williamsii) do not actually contain the cactus. Chemical analysis using mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography found that less than 5% of tested products contained mescaline, a stable alkaloid that indicates the presence of peyote. The absence of mescaline in the vast majority of samples suggests consumers are being defrauded if they believe they are buying peyote-based medicines. It also indicates that wild peyote populations, though heavily harvested elsewhere, are rarely used in these topical products.