The San Pedro cactus, which contains the hallucinogenic alkaloid mescaline, was used ritually by pre-Columbine cultures in northern Peru, including Cupisnique (1500 BC), Chavin (1000 BC), Moche (100-750 AD), and Lambayeque (750-1350 AD). Archaeological evidence supports its use for magical-religious purposes. Today, master shamans employ San Pedro on altars (mesas) during healing rites for conditions like enchantment and bad luck. The ritual involves raising or sniffing tobacco with alcohol, ingesting San Pedro, diagnosing diseases, cleansing evil, and flourishing the sick person, performed on sacred Tuesdays and Fridays. San Pedro may be replaced by ayahuasca or mishas (Brugmansia sp.). The ancient tradition persists in Andean shamanism.
Ingestion of hallucinogenic fungi, cacti, and plants can cause neurotoxic symptoms. Fungi from Psilocybe, Panaeolus, and Stropharia genera contain psilocybin; plants such as Papaver somniferum, Erytroxylum sp., and Cannabis sativa have hallucinogenic and sedative properties. Ayahuasca infusions from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis contain tryptamine and beta carboline harmala alkaloids. Peyote (mescaline) and Claviceps purpurea (LSD) are strong hallucinogens. Ergotism and mycotoxicosis from Arthrinium sp. and mycotoxin-contaminated sugar cane can cause encephalopathy and late dystonia. Medicinal plants with reported neurological toxicity include Hypericum perforatum, kava kava, Aconitum sp., and Callilepis laureola. Awareness of these syndromes is needed due to increasing herb and fungus consumption.