Plant drugs: Transcending the mescaline biosynthesis.
Vincent Courdavault, Nicolas Papon
Current biology : CB August 19, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.06.061 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Peyote cactus |
| Topics | Mescaline |
| Keywords | Psychedelics Plant biochemistry Natural compounds Conservation biology Medicinal research |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | The complete metabolic pathway for mescaline biosynthesis in peyote has been identified, enabling potential biotechnological production. |
Abstract
Our knowledge of the biosynthesis of medicinal compounds from plants remains limited. A new study has deciphered the complete metabolic pathway leading to the biosynthesis of the psychedelic mescaline in the cactus peyote, suggesting the development of biotechnological strategies for a sustainable supply of this important plant drug.