Pellotine is an
alkaloid
Alkaloids are a class of basic, naturally occurring organic compounds that contain at least one nitrogen atom. This group also includes some related compounds with neutral and even weakly acidic properties. Some synthetic compounds of similar ...
found in ''
Lophophora
''Lophophora'' () is a genus of spineless, button-like cacti. Its area range covers southern through northeastern and north-central Mexico to Querétaro in central Mexico. The species are extremely slow growing, sometimes taking up to thirty ye ...
'' species. Pellotine is slightly narcotic, and has been used by Native Americans as a constituent of
peyote for sacramental purposes.
Psychological and physiological effects
8-10 mg of isolated pellotine is known to cause convulsions in frogs. When injected subcutaneously to humans, participants have reported drowsiness and a desire not to exert any physical or mental effort with one study reporting it to have hypnotic effects.
It is also reported to lower blood pressure and heart rate.
Ancient use
Native inhabitants of north-eastern Mexico around 810–1070 CE (according to carbon dating) are thought to have used a number of "mescal beans" containing pellotine, among other alkaloids and mescaline. While it is known that these pellotine-containing beans were ornamental, it is unclear whether they were used for their psychoactive effects.
See also
*
Anhalamine
*
Anhalidine
Anhalidine is a naturally occurring tetrahydroisoquinoline based alkaloid which can be isolated from ''Lophophora williamsii
The peyote (; ''Lophophora williamsii'' ) is a small, spineless cactus which contains psychoactive alkaloids, partic ...
*
Anhalinine
*
Anhalonidine
*
Gigantine
References
{{reflist
Lophophora
Isoquinoline alkaloids
Norsalsolinol ethers
Methoxy compounds
Phenols