Abstract

EXPLORING THE PHARMACOGNOSY OF PSYCHEDELICS PLANTS: UNVEILING THE CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL

Mansi Kharkwal*, Sneha Oli, Sunil Chandra Bhatt, Sachin Sahni, Rajkamal Chandra

ABSTRACT

This review article provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of the pharmacognosy of psychedelic plants, aiming to unveil their chemical constituents and explore their therapeutic potential. This abstract explores three prominent psychedelic plants—Ayahuasca, Peyote, and Cannabis—unveiling their chemical constituents and potential therapeutic applications. The investigation into these plants not only expands our understanding of their traditional uses but also sheds light on novel therapeutic avenues in mental health and beyond. Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, has been used for centuries by indigenous communities in spiritual and healing ceremonies. The
key constituents of Ayahuasca are the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the leaves of Psychotria viridis. The psychoactive effects of Ayahuasca are primarily attributed to the presence of the potent hallucinogenic compound dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in Psychotria viridis. Recent studies have highlighted the potential therapeutic effects of Ayahuasca in the treatment of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. The unique combination of DMT and monoamine oxidase inhibitors in Ayahuasca is believed to contribute to its antidepressant properties. Peyote, a small, spineless cactus native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, has been utilized by indigenous communities, particularly in the Native American Church, for centuries. The main psychoactive component in Peyote is mescaline, a psychedelic alkaloid that induces altered states of consciousness. Research on mescaline suggests its potential in treating substance abuse disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the cultural and spiritual significance of Peyote in indigenous rituals underscores the complex interplay between pharmacology and cultural practices. Cannabis, a versatile plant with a long history of medicinal and recreational use, contains over 100 cannabinoids, with delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) being the most studied. The endocannabinoid system, comprising receptors throughout the body, plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes. Cannabis has shown promise in alleviating chronic pain, reducing inflammation, and mitigating symptoms of conditions like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. The entourage effect, where the synergistic interaction of multiple cannabis compounds enhances therapeutic effects, adds depth to the exploration of this plant's pharmacognosy. As the pharmacognosy of these psychedelic plants unfolds, ethical considerations surrounding their use must be addressed. Legal and societal challenges persist, impeding comprehensive research into their therapeutic potential. Moreover, standardized methodologies for extracting and analyzing the chemical constituents of these plants are essential for ensuring the reproducibility of research findings.

Keywords: Psychedelics, Ayahuasca,Banisteriopsis caapi, Psychotria viridis, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), Peyote ,mescaline, cannabinoid.