The authors report the isolation and structural identification of a new alkaloid from peyote. Using spectroscopic and chemical methods, the compound is identified as a conjugate of mescaline with a carbohydrate moiety. The work provides the first full characterization of this naturally occurring mescaline derivative, expanding knowledge of the alkaloid composition in the peyote cactus.
Mescaline, a naturally occurring psychedelic, was analyzed using advanced mass spectrometry techniques. In a sample of 50 mescaline extracts, 92% showed distinct patterns in amino acid composition, particularly phenylalanine. The study utilized chromatography and acid hydrolysis to reveal stereochemistry variations that impact biological activity. Notably, condensation reactions during synthesis led to the formation of hydantoin derivatives, highlighting the importance of carbohydrate chemistry in organic synthesis. These findings enhance the understanding of mescaline's chemical properties and potential therapeutic applications.