San Pedro Cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi (Britton & Rose) H. Friedrich & G.D. Rowley Cactceae)

The San Pedro cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi) is a tall, columnar cactus native to the Andes of Peru and Ecuador, valued for its psychedelic effects due to the alkaloid mescaline, which constitutes 0.053% to 4.7% of its dry weight. The plant contains several other alkaloids and has been studied for potential medicinal properties, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects, as well as possible applications for addiction and psychiatric disorders. This chapter describes the cactus's botanical characteristics, traditional shamanic use, and its significance as both a cultural symbol and a source of therapeutic compounds.

Study at a glance

Abstract

San Pedro cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi), also known as (Trichocereus pachanoi) belongs to the family Cactaceae it is identified by its tall, columnar, blue-green stems with 6–8 columns and spaced areoles that produce up to seven spines of yellowish to brown color. It can grow up to 6 m tall with multiple branches, producing highly fragrant, white nocturnal flowers. This fast-growing cactus is Indigenous to the Andes Mountains of Peru and Ecuador, where it has long been valued by native civilizations for its psychedelic effect. The plant contains a variety of alkaloids, the most notable of which is mescaline, which has been used in traditional shamanic practices and has gained popularity in recent years as a psychedelic drug. The concentration of mescaline in the cactus ranges from 0.053% to 4.7% of its dry weight. There are several other alkaloids present in the San Pedro cactus, including 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenethylamine, 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine, 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine, 3-Methoxytyramine, anhalinine, tyramine, anhalonidine, and hordenine, evidenced the potential in the field of medicine. In addition to its ethnobotany, it has also been studied for its medicinal properties. The San Pedro cactus, which also has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial characteristics, may be used to treat addiction and psychiatric disorders. Overall, this chapter highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of the San Pedro cactus and its importance both as a cultural symbol and a source of potential therapeutic compounds.