Alkaloids with hallucinogen activity

Anti-inflammatory Compounds.—Claims for anti-inflammatory activity of alkaloids appear in the literature from time to time, but in view of the difficulties connected with the testing of such compounds, positive results should be viewed with caution. Recently it has been stated that cryogenine from Heimia salicifolia (Lythraceae) has anti-inflammatory activity. Lythraceae have been investigated broadly during recent years, probably because of an early claim that these alkaloids have hallucinogenic properties. The structure (31) has been proposed for cryogenine. ... 

There are also other non-monoaminergic alkaloids in some sacred plants which enhance catecholaminergic function. The white and blue water lilies, Nymphaea ampla and caerulea were employed as hallucinogens in both the Old and New worlds. These species contain apomorphine (an opiate with dopamine agonist activity), together with nuciferine and nornuciferine. 

Central nervous system and neuromuscular junction. A remarkable number of alkaloids interfere with the metabolism and activity of neurotransmitters in the brain and nerve cells, a fact known to man for a thousand years (Table IV). The cellular interactions have been discussed above. Disturbance of neurotransmitter metabolism impairs sensory faculties, smell, vision, or hearing, or they may produce euphoric or hallucinogenic effects. 

Yohimbine (104), also from the bark of C. yohimbe K Sebum, and from the roots of R. serpentina (L.) Benth. y has a folk history (unsubstantiated) of use as an aphrodisiac. Its use has been confirmed experimentally as a local anesthetic, with occasional employment for relief in angina pectoris and arteriosclerosis, but is frequently contraindicated by its undesired renal effects. Yohimbine and some of its derivatives have been reported as hallucinogenic (70). In addition, its pattern of pharmacological activities in a variety of animal models is so broad that its general use is avoided All ten carbon atoms of secologanin (102) as well as the entire skeleton of tryptamine (98, R = H) are clearly seen as intact portions of this alkaloid... 

Products of the fungus Claviceps purpurea ergot of rye. Many ergot alkaloids known, with a range of biological activities from vasoconstrictor and oxytocic to hallucinogenic effects used... 

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