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Peyote Alkaloids: Identification in the Mexican Cactus Pelecyphora aselliformis Ehrenberg

J.m. Neal, Patricia Sato, William N. Howald, Jerry L. Mclaughlin

Science June 9, 1972 DOI: 10.1126/science.176.4039.1131 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Chemical analysis Peer reviewed
Topics Mescaline
Keywords Cactus Phenethylamine Traditional medicine
Citations 16
Key points Mescaline and several other alkaloids were identified for the first time in a North American cactus species other than Lophophora, specifically Pelecyphora aselliformis.

Abstract

Hordenine, anhalidine, pellotine, 3-demethyltrichocereine, mescaline, 3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethylamine, and the N -monomethyl derivatives of mescaline and 3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethylamine have been isolated or identified, or both, in alkaloid extracts of a Mexican "peyote" cactus, Pelecyphora aselliformis Ehrenberg. This is the first report of the occurrence of some of these alkaloids, including mescaline, in a North American cactus other than Lophophora .

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