ABSTRACT
A number of plants are traditionally used to produce psychoactivity and other mind-altering effects. Many plant-derived compounds can affect perception of reality and may invoke feelings of tranquility, invigoration, or “otherworldliness.” Many use these substances to escape reality. Physiologically, these compounds are absorbed into the blood stream and transported to various sites where they exert their psychoactive effects. Generally, they inuence the performance of the central and peripheral nervous systems, especially the brain, by affecting signal transduction in the neurons. Most psychoactive drugs alter or mimic the behavior of four kinds of natural neurotransmitters: acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and neuropeptides. In most cases, such CNS-related biochemical pathways are impacted by psychoactive secondary metabolites such as alkaloids and a number of low-molecular-weight terpenoids. Often, these compounds exert mind-stimulating or -altering properties at low
3.1 Introduction .................................................................................... 23 3.2 Privileged Psychoactive Indole Alkaloids....................................... 25
3.2.1 Ibogaine ............................................................................... 25 3.2.2 Reserpine ............................................................................. 26 3.2.3 Geissoschizine Methyl Ether ............................................... 26 3.2.4 Physostigmine ...................................................................... 27
3.3 Cholinesterase and Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors .......... 28 3.4 Serotonin Agonists and Antagonists ................................................31 3.5 Other Related Psychopharmacological Effects ................................33 3.6 Conclusion ...................................................................................... 34 References ............................................................................................... 34
concentrations. Studies categorize psychoactive ingredients as sedatives, stimulants, or hallucinogens. The drug culture of the 1960s referred to these compounds as downers, uppers, or psychedelics.
