Pellotine


Pellotine is an alkaloid found in Lophophora 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 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.