Psychoactive compounds from plants

    I. Classification
        A. Psychoactive drugs affect central nervous system and mimic neurotransmitters (alter mental state)
            1. Stimulants
            2. Hallucinogens
            3. Depressants
        B. Subtle distinction between medicinal, psychoactive, and toxic (poisonous) doses.
 
    II. History
        A. Indigenous people:  associated with religion, magic, and medicine
        B. Medical professionals in experimental psychiatry trials
        C. Drug abusers
 
    III. Sources of psychoactive plants: from Angiosperms; others come from Fungi
 
    IV. Chemistry of psychoactive compounds:
        A. Alkaloids
        B. Cannabinoids

    V. Examples of psychoactive plants
        A. Opium poppy: originated in Turkey and China.
            1. fruit capsule.  Opium drug is dried powdery latex extracted from the unripe capsule.  Also grown for its seeds.
            2. alkaloid depressants: morphine, codeine, and heroin.
            3. mimics natural brain endorphins, acting on the central nervous system.

        B. Coca: originated in S. Amer. Andes
            1. alkaloid extracted from the leaves.
            2. elaborate extraction processes result in the production of a white powder (cocaine hydrochloride)
            3. alkaloid stimulant: cocaine.  Acts on the central nervous system.

        C. Marijuana: originated in Central Asia
            1. Hallucinogenic cannabinoids extracted from resins produced by leaf trichomes.
            2. The most hallucinogenic cannabinoid is delta 9-tetrahydrocannabiol (abbreviated: THC).
                a) Plants with female flowers = higher THC, grown for drug use
                b) Plants with male flowers = tall plants with lower THC, grown for hemp fibers (rope and clothing)
                c) Subspecies: sativa (little THC) and indica (high THC)
            3. alters the state of mind (false calmness, impairs learning, results in short term memory).

        D. Peyote: gray-green spineless cactus; originated in Mexico.
            1. widely used by Native Americans (considered a sacred plant).
            2. cactus stem sliced and dried into ‘mescal buttons’; contains hallucinogenic alkaloids: mescaline and peyonine.
            3. acts on nervous system, mimics neurotransmitter.

        E. Solanaceae family: Nightshade, Jimsonweed, and Henbane
            1. green tomatoes and potatoes
            2. many hallucinogenic alkaloids: atropine, scopalamine, and hyoscyamine.
            3. used by assassins in Middle Ages to deaden senses before killing.

        F. Morning Glory
            1. Hallucinogenic alkaloid: lysergic acid (found in the seeds)
            2. Far milder than the potent hallucinogen LSD.