An aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Calea zacatechichi, a plant traditionally used for its dream-inducing effects, interferes with the cholinergic and dopaminergic systems by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase, but does not affect monoamine oxidase A. The extract also shows notable cytotoxicity in neuronal and microglial cells at low concentrations, with evidence of apoptosis and necroptosis, though it scavenges free radicals and inhibits lipid peroxidation. Twenty-eight phenolic constituents were identified, 24 previously unreported in this species. The findings highlight the need for a regulatory framework for recreational use and help clarify the plant's psychopharmacological mechanisms.
An aqueous extract of Tagetes lucida aerial parts, a plant used traditionally by Mesoamerican tribes and now recreationally for its psychoactivity, contains phenolic acids, coumarins, and flavonoids, mainly scoparone and herniarin. In human neuroblastoma cells, the extract caused mitochondrial depolarization starting at 250 µg/mL and impaired cell metabolism and membrane integrity at the highest concentration tested (1000 µg/mL). However, when cells were exposed to glutamate, the extract showed neuroprotection at concentrations from 62.5 to 250 µg/mL, counteracting excitotoxic effects. The extract also inhibited acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase A in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting neuromodulatory properties. These results highlight both neurotoxic and neuroprotective effects, warranting further study.