Pellotine
Pellotine is an alkaloid found in Lophophora species.[1] Pellotine is slightly narcotic, and has been used by Native Americans as a constituent of peyote for sacramental purposes.[2]
Names | |
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Systematic IUPAC name
6,7-Dimethoxy-1,2-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-8-ol | |
Other names
Peyotline; N-Methylanhalonidine | |
Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) |
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ChemSpider | |
PubChem CID |
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Properties | |
C13H19NO3 | |
Molar mass | 237.299 g·mol−1 |
Melting point | 110 to 113 |
Hazards | |
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC): | |
LD50 (median dose) |
10 mg/kg (intravenous, dog) |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
Infobox references | |
Psychological and physiological effects
8-10 mg of isolated pellotine is known to cause convulsions in frogs. When injected subcutaneously to humans, participants have reported drowsiness and a desire not to exert any physical or mental effort with one study reporting it to have hypnotic effects.[2] It is also reported to lower blood pressure and heart rate.[2]
Ancient use
Native inhabitants of north-eastern Mexico around 810–1070 CE (according to carbon dating) are thought to have used a number of "mescal beans" containing pellotine, among other alkaloids and mescaline. While it is known that these pellotine-containing beans were ornamental, it is unclear whether they were used for their psychoactive effects.[3]
See also
References
- Gabermann, V (1978). "Estimation of mescaline and pellotine in Lophophora coulter plants (Cactaceae) by means of the oscillographic polarography". Biokhimiia (Moscow, Russia). 43 (2): 246–51. PMID 647075.
- Jones, Peter (2007). "The American Indian Church and its sacramental use of peyote: A review for professionals in the mental-health arena". Mental Health, Religion & Culture. 8 (4): 277–290. doi:10.1080/13674670412331304348.
- El-Seedi, Hesham R.; Smet, Peter A. G. M. De; Beck, Olof; Possnert, Göran; Bruhn, Jan G. (2005-10-03). "Prehistoric peyote use: Alkaloid analysis and radiocarbon dating of archaeological specimens of Lophophora from Texas". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 101 (1): 238–242. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.04.022. ISSN 0378-8741. PMID 15990261.