Peyote, a Potential Ethnopharmacologic Agent for Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies: Possible Biochemical Rationale

Alcohol and opiate abuse among both Indian and non-Indian individuals became asymptomatic under Native American guidance and through participation in the peyote ritual. Biochemical alkaloids in the peyote cactus, not just mescaline, are pharmacologically similar to neuroamine-derived alkaloids found in the brain during alcohol intoxication. Evidence suggests possible common features of alcohol and opiate dependence, leading to speculation that a common mode of treatment may reside in plants rich in isoquinoline alkaloids.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The authors examine folk psychiatry among Native American Church members from an enthnopharmacologic viewpoint. Alcohol and opiate abuse among Indian and non-Indian are presented in case histories proving to be asymptomatic under Indian guidance and through participation in the peyote ritual. The biochemical alkaloids common in the peyote cactus, rather than just the psychoactive substances (mescaline), are purported to be pharmacologically similar to the neuroamine-derived alkaloids found in the brain during alcohol intoxification. Evidence is reviewed that points out possible common features of alcohol and opiate dependence leading to the speculation for a common mode of treatment may reside in plants rich in isoquinoline alkaloids.