Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Mescaline

ACS Chemical Neuroscience
Bruce K Cassels, Patricio Sáez-Briones

Abstract

Archeological studies in the United States, Mexico, and Peru suggest that mescaline, as a cactus constituent, has been used for more than 6000 years. Although it is a widespread cactus alkaloid, it is present in high concentrations in few species, notably the North American peyote ( Lophophora williamsii) and the South American wachuma ( Trichocereus pachanoi, T. peruvianus, and T. bridgesii). Spanish 16th century chroniclers considered these cacti "diabolic", leading to their prohibition, but their use persisted to our days and has been spreading for the last 150 years. In the late 1800s, peyote attracted scientific attention; mescaline was isolated, and its role in the psychedelic effects of peyote tops or "mescal buttons" was demonstrated. Its structure was established by synthesis in 1929, and alternative routes were developed, providing larger amounts for pharmacological and biosynthetic research. Although its effects are attributed mainly to its action as a 5-HT2A serotonin receptor agonist, mescaline binds in a similar concentration range to 5-HT1A and α2A receptors. It is largely excreted unchanged in human urine, and its metabolic products are apparently unrelated to its psychedelic properties. Its low potency is proba...Continue Reading

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Citations

Oct 16, 2018·Current Molecular Pharmacology·Ricardo Jorge Dinis-OliveiraDiana Dias da Silva
Sep 15, 2019·Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology·María Del Socorro Santos-Díaz, Nancy Gabriela Camarena-Rangel
Apr 15, 2021·Journal of Analytical Toxicology·Hannes M SchwelmMerja A Neukamm
May 1, 2021·Molecules : a Journal of Synthetic Chemistry and Natural Product Chemistry·Paul CummingChantal Martin-Soelch
Jul 16, 2021·Journal of Natural Products·Camilla B ChanJesper L Kristensen
Aug 17, 2021·Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·Kristin Waters

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