The Alkaloids from Lophophora diffusa and Other "False Peyotes"

Area of Science:

• Ethnobotany
• Pharmacology
• Organic Chemistry

Background:

• The term "false peyote" commonly refers to Lophophora diffusa, but also encompasses other cacti resembling Lophophora williamsii or sharing similar habitats.
• The Lophophora genus is known to contain over 40 alkaloids, with mescaline being the most extensively studied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the relationship between "false peyotes" and Lophophora williamsii based on alkaloid profiles.
• To discuss the biosynthesis, chemical synthesis, and pharmacology of key alkaloids found in Lophophora species.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on "false peyote" cacti.
• Analysis of alkaloid content, biosynthesis, and pharmacological data.
• Comparison of "false peyotes" with Lophophora williamsii.

Main Results:

• Lophophora diffusa contains pellotine, a tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ), which was historically used as a hypnotic agent.
• Pharmacological investigations and chemical synthesis of Lophophora THIQs occurred decades apart.
• Biosynthetic pathways for major Lophophora alkaloids were elucidated in the late 1960s.

Conclusions:

• "False peyotes" exhibit diverse alkaloid compositions distinct from Lophophora williamsii.
• Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate identification and pharmacological assessment.
• Further research into the synthesis and pharmacology of these alkaloids is warranted.