III. Psychoactive Plants w a) Stimulants w b) Hallucinogens w c) Depressants.
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Transcript of III. Psychoactive Plants w a) Stimulants w b) Hallucinogens w c) Depressants.
III. Psychoactive Plants
a) Stimulants b) Hallucinogens c) Depressants
a) StimulantsCoca (Erythroxylum coca) Source of cocaine Main ingredient in original Coca Cola
Khat (Catha edulis)
Leaves are chewed Known as “Flower of
Paradise” in Native Africa
Active ingredient is the alkaloid, cathione, a natural amphetamine
Coffee (Coffea spp)Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Coffee made from roasted seeds
Tea made from leaves Caffeine main
stimulant See Table 17.1 for
other plants
caffeine theobromine
Cacao (Theobroma cacao)
Seeds source of powdered chocolate
Contains caffeine and theobromine
Name means food of the gods
Tobacco (Nicotiana spp)
Nicotine, an alkaloid is main stimulant in leaves, may also act as a depressant or tranquilizer
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
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
Morning Glory ( Ipomoea violacea) Seed contain an
alkaloid, D-lysergic acid (LSD is a synthetic form)
Causes hallucinations similar to peyote
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
Jimson Weed (Datura stramonium) Contains Tropane
alkaloids Causes hallucinations,
headaches, delirium, convulsions and coma
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
c) Depressants
Alcoholic beverages
Kava (Piper methysticum)
Drink made from root or rhizomes
Active ingredients are kavapyrones
Causes relaxation, sleep and pain relief
Used in South Pacific Islands
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!
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!