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Peyote Alkaloids: Identification in a Prehistoric Specimen of Lophophora from Coahuila, Mexico

Jan G. Bruhn, J.‐e. Lindgren, Bo Holmstedt, J. M. Adovasio

Science March 31, 1978 DOI: 10.1126/science.199.4336.1437 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Chemical analysis of archaeological specimen Peer reviewed
Population Prehistoric specimen of Lophophora (peyote cactus) from a burial cave in Coahuila, Mexico
Topics Mescaline
Keywords Prehistory Radiocarbon dating Archaeology Cave Identification biology Botany
Citations 23
Key points Mescaline and four other alkaloids were identified in a prehistoric Lophophora specimen radiocarbon-dated to A.D. 810–1070.

Abstract

Mescaline, anhalonine, lophophorine, pellotine, and anhalonidine have been identified in alkaloid extracts of a prehistoric specimen of Lophophora from a burial cave in west central Coahuila, Mexico. The specimen is associated with radiocarbon dates of A.D. 810 to 1070 and is one of the oldest materials ever submitted to alkaloid analysis.

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