Psychoactive Substances of Natural Origin: Toxicological Aspects, Therapeutic Properties and Analysis in Biological Samples

Gonçalves, Joana; Luís, Ângelo; Gallardo, Eugénia; Duarte, Ana Paula

doi:10.3390/molecules26051397

Cited by 22 publications

(51 citation statements)

References 163 publications

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“…Ayahuasca is a psychoactive beverage traditionally consumed in the Amazon Basin of South America [1]. This word of Quechua origin, means "vine of the soul" or "vine of the dead" and is composed of the terms "aya" and "wasca", which means "spirit" and "vine", respectively [2,3]. This psychoactive beverage consists of a thick, oily and brownish decoction, which is prepared from the leaves of Psychotria viridis (P. viridis) and scraps from the stem of Banisteriopsis caapi (B. caapi) [4,5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This psychoactive beverage was traditionally used by native healers for divine cults and in the cure of psychological disorders, stimulation of visual creativity and creative thinking [1,6]. Its hallucinogenic effects are due to the presence of N,N-dimethyltryptamine Molecules 2021, 26, 5555 2 of 15 (DMT) (Figure 1) from P. viridis, which behaves as an agonist of serotonin receptors (5-HT1A/2A/2C) [3]. When ingested alone, this compound is inactive, as it is rapidly metabolized by peripheral monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Molecules 2021, 26, x FOR PEER REVIEW thinking [1,6]. Its hallucinogenic effects are due to the presence of N,N-dimethyl mine (DMT) (Figure 1) from P. viridis, which behaves as an agonist of serotonin rec (5-HT1A/2A/2C) [3]. When ingested alone, this compound is inactive, as it is rapid tabolized by peripheral monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, in the pres β-carbolinic alkaloids, such as Harmaline, Harmine and Tetrahydroharmine (THH B. caapi, DMT can access the central nervous system, since these are temporary inh of hepatic and intestinal MAO-A [2]. THH also acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibit hancing the effects of DMT [2,3]. The knowledge about this synergy between comp present in the two plants has been known by indigenous peoples for about 3000 ye Although Ayahuasca has been consumed for centuries, in the last 25 years, has been increasing in different parts of the world [10,11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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In Vitro Study of the Bioavailability and Bioaccessibility of the Main Compounds Present in Ayahuasca Beverages

et al. 2021

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Ayahuasca is a psychoactive beverage that contains the psychoactive compound N,N-dimethyltryptamine and β-carboline alkaloids. This study aims at determining in vitro the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of the main compounds present in decoctions of four individual plants, in a commercial mixture and in four mixtures of two individual plants used in the preparation of Ayahuasca. The samples were subjected to an in vitro digestion process, and the Caco-2 cell line was used as an absorption model. The integrity and permeability of the cell monolayer were evaluated, as well as the cytotoxicity of the extracts. After digestion and cell incubation, the compounds absorbed by the cell monolayer were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector. The results showed that compounds such as N,N-dimethyltryptamine, Harmine, Harmaline, Harmol, Harmalol and Tetrahydroharmine were released from the matrix during the in vitro digestion process, becoming bioaccessible. Similarly, some of these compounds, after being incubated with the cell monolayer, were absorbed, becoming bioavailable. The extracts did not show cytotoxicity after cell incubation, and the integrity and permeability of the cell monolayer were not compromised.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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In Vitro Study of the Bioavailability and Bioaccessibility of the Main Compounds Present in Ayahuasca Beverages

et al. 2021

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“…J.M.Coult., which is best known for its primary alkaloid mescaline ( 1 ), the prototypical psychedelic . For centuries, peyote has traditionally been used as a religious sacrament in Native American ceremonies, , a practice that is still ongoing . The psychedelic properties of 1 are the main reason that other cacti species have mistakenly been harvested and/or sold as peyote.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Alkaloids from Lophophora diffusa and Other “False Peyotes”

et al. 2021

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Commonly, false peyote refers to Lophophora diffusa. However, several other unrelated cacti go by this colloquial name. They either resemble “true” peyote, Lophophora williamsii, or are found in similar habitats. To date, over 40 different alkaloids have been isolated from the Lophophora genus. Of these, only the pharmacological actions of mescaline (1) have been extensively investigated. The major alkaloid in L. diffusa is pellotine (2), a tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ), which was briefly marketed as a sleeping aid around the beginning of the 20th century, following reports of its hypnotic properties in humans. Pharmacological experiments with the Lophophora THIQs were performed at the turn of the 20th century, whereas the chemical synthesis was not realized until several decades later. The biosynthetic pathways of the main Lophophora alkaloids were reported at the end of the 1960s. In this review, the relationship of the different “false peyotes” to L. williamsii, in regard to their alkaloid content, the bio- and chemical synthesis of the most relevant alkaloids, and their corresponding pharmacology will be outlined and discussed.

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Periodontitis presenting among betel quid users: A case series

Park,

Pitchumani,

Tatakis

2024

Clin Adv Periodontics

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BackgroundBetel leaf chewing habit has been studied extensively, as it has been an ancient practice in many Asian countries. Although betel leaf has been reported to have potential beneficial properties, it has also been shown to have a strong association with oral diseases, including periodontitis. This case series addresses the presentation of periodontitis among betel quid users, to help clinicians identify and manage such patients when they are encountered in settings outside the countries and territories where betel quid use is common.MethodsFour patients of Asian ethnicity were referred to The Ohio State University College of Dentistry Graduate Periodontology clinic for periodontal treatment. Targeted questioning resulted in all four patients reporting a past and current betel leaf chewing habit, established at a young age, typically in a family setting, and long before their immigration from their native country.ResultsAll four patients exhibited similar reddish‐brown staining on the teeth and generalized radiographic bone loss. Notably, the patients disclosed the betel chewing habit only after different vernacular names for betel quid were used during questioning, which complicated history taking. Severe periodontitis (stage III/IV, grade C) was diagnosed in all four patients, who were given appropriate periodontal treatment plans.ConclusionBetel leaf chewing, prevalent in many Asian countries, is associated with periodontitis and may present with extensive tooth staining. Oral healthcare providers should consider this cultural habit and pursue thorough assessment and history taking for their patients originating from countries where the habit is common practice.Key Points Clinicians should be aware of the clinical presentation and oral findings in betel quid users. Given the increasing diversity of the patient pool that clinicians are encountering, knowledge of vernacular names for betel quid usage can prove valuable in history taking. A protocol for betel quid cessation should be incorporated into the management strategy for these patients in clinical practice. Plain Language SummaryBetel quid (paan) chewing is a widespread cultural habit, especially in Asia. The chewing of betel quid, whether alone or with tobacco, has been strongly associated with periodontitis and other oral conditions, such as leukoplakia, oral cancer, and oral submucous fibrosis. This report illustrates the typical presentation of periodontitis patients who habitually chew betel quid, highlights the associated clinical features, such as reddish‐brown tooth staining and severe bone loss, and underlines the challenge of obtaining a complete history because of the very many vernacular names used for betel quid in different countries and the fact that for many of the patients, this is considered a routine cultural tradition. It is unusual to encounter patients chewing betel quid in this country because the practice is not common. However, immigrants from countries where betel quid chewing is commonplace may continue the habit after they move to the United States. Oral healthcare providers should be aware of this possibility and elicit the relevant information from the patients. This will help practitioners to properly address this underlying factor and to provide appropriate care to these patients, including cessation advice and support, and establishment of routine oral screenings and regular periodontal maintenance.

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Psychoactive Substances of Natural Origin: Toxicological Aspects, Therapeutic Properties and Analysis in Biological Samples

Cited by 22 publications

References 163 publications

In Vitro Study of the Bioavailability and Bioaccessibility of the Main Compounds Present in Ayahuasca Beverages

In Vitro Study of the Bioavailability and Bioaccessibility of the Main Compounds Present in Ayahuasca Beverages

The Alkaloids from Lophophora diffusa and Other “False Peyotes”

Periodontitis presenting among betel quid users: A case series

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