III. Psychoactive Plants

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III. Psychoactive Plants

• a) Stimulants
• b) Hallucinogens
• c) Depressants

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a) StimulantsCoca (Erythroxylum coca)

• Source of cocaine
• Main ingredient in original Coca Cola

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Khat (Catha edulis)

• Leaves are chewed
• Known as Flower of Paradise in Native Africa
• Active ingredient is the alkaloid, cathione, a
  natural amphetamine

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Coffee (Coffea spp)Tea (Camellia sinensis)
caffeine
theobromine

• Coffee made from roasted seeds
• Tea made from leaves
• Caffeine main stimulant
• See Table 17.1 for other plants

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Cacao (Theobroma cacao)

• Seeds source of powdered chocolate
• Contains caffeine and theobromine
• Name means food of the gods

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Tobacco (Nicotiana spp)

• Nicotine, an alkaloid is main stimulant in
  leaves, may also act as a depressant or
  tranquilizer

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b) HallucinogensPeyote (Lophora williamsii)

• Eaten as mescal buttons or dried portion of plant
• Active compounds are mescaline and other
  alkaloids
• Causes nausea, visual disorientation, mental
  clarity, visualizations, and paralysis of the
  central nervous system

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Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

• Seeds are source of myristicin, an aromatic
  volatile (amphetamine-like substance)
• Causes powerful hallucinations, hypnotic trances
  and euphoric bliss (Ecstasy)
• Side effects are headaches, dizziness, nausea and
  sickening hangovers, can be toxic

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Morning Glory ( Ipomoea violacea)

• Seed contain an alkaloid, D-lysergic acid (LSD is
  a synthetic form)
• Causes hallucinations similar to peyote

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Belladonna (Atropa belladona)Part of the very
dangerous Solanaceae family which have the
Tropane Alkaloids

• Contains an alkaloid called scopolamine.
• Highly hallucinogenic and toxic
• Used by witches in Europe
• Stimulates and depresses medulla and higher
  cerebral centers
• Relaxes smooth muscles and alters heart rate

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Jimson Weed (Datura stramonium)

• Contains Tropane alkaloids
• Causes hallucinations, headaches, delirium,
  convulsions and coma

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Marijuana (Cannabis sativa)

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) formed when plant is
  dried
• Common form here is an escapee used for hemp with
  0.2 to 1 THC
• Asian forms contain 3.4 to 6 THC
• Treatment for nausea and glaucoma

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c) Depressants

• Alcoholic beverages

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Kava (Piper methysticum)

• Drink made from root or rhizomes
• Active ingredients are kavapyrones
• Causes relaxation, sleep and pain relief
• Used in South Pacific Islands

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Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum)

• More than 25 alkaloids including morphine and
  codeine
• Effects central nervous system and intestines
• Acts as painkiller, depresses respiration,
  decreases digestive juices and intestinal
  peristaltic contractions
• Highly addictive!

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Take Home Message

• Plants contain many secondary compounds used for
  defense, but have medicinal, toxic and
  psychoactive properties to us sometimes all
  within the same plant
• BE CAREFUL what you eat or drink!