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III. Psychoactive Plants a) Stimulants b) Hallucinogens c) Depressants a) Stimulants Coca (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) caffeine Coffee made from roasted seeds Tea made from leaves Caffeine main stimulant See Table 17.1 for other plants 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) Hallucinogens Peyote (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 (amphetaminelike 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, Dlysergic 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!