Salvinorin A Salvinorin A is the main active psychotropic molecule in Salvia divinorum, a Mexican plant which has a long history of use as an entheogen by indigenous Mazatec shamans. Salvinorin A is considered a dissociative exhibiting atypically psychedelic effects. Salvinorin A can produce psychoactive experiences in humans with a typical duration of action being several minutes to an hour or so, depending on the method of ingestion.[2] History[edit] Salvinorin A was first described and named in 1982 by Alfredo Ortega and colleagues in Mexico. Pharmacology[edit] Potency and selectivity[edit] Salvinorin A is unique in that it is the only naturally occurring substance known to induce a visionary state via this mode of action; there are synthetic kappa-opioid agonists, (e.g. enadoline, ketazocine, pentazocine and relatives), which show similar hallucinatory and dissociative effects. Effect on intestinal motility[edit] Solubility[edit] Detection in urine[edit] Associated compounds[edit] Synthesis[edit]
Apocynaceae Apocynaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes trees, shrubs, herbs, stem succulents, and vines, commonly known as the dogbane family,[1] (Greek for "away from dog" since some taxa were used as dog poison).[2] Members of the family are native to the European, Asian, African, Australian, and American tropics or subtropics, with some temperate members.[1] The family Asclepiadaceae (now known as Asclepiadoideae) is considered a subfamily of Apocynaceae and contains 348 genera. A list of Apocynaceae genera may be found here. Many species are tall trees found in tropical rainforests, but some grow in tropical dry (xeric) environments. Also perennial herbs from temperate zones occur. Description[edit] Growth pattern[edit] Leaves and stems[edit] There is no stipule (a small leaf-like structure at the base of the leaf stem), or stipules are small and sometimes fingerlike.[3] Inflorescence and fruit[edit] Gallery[edit] Taxonomy[edit] Distribution and habitat[edit] Ecology[edit] Toxicity[edit]
Ergotamine Ergotamine is an ergopeptine and part of the ergot family of alkaloids; it is structurally and biochemically closely related to ergoline. It possesses structural similarity to several neurotransmitters, and has biological activity as a vasoconstrictor. It is used medicinally for treatment of acute migraine attacks (sometimes in combination with caffeine). Medicinal usage of ergot fungus began in the 16th century to induce childbirth, yet dosage uncertainties discouraged the use. Mechanism of action[edit] Biosynthesis[edit] Ergotamine is a secondary metabolite (natural product) and the principal alkaloid produced by the ergot fungus, Claviceps purpurea, and related fungi in the family Clavicipitaceae.[7] Its biosynthesis in these fungi requires the amino acid L-tryptophan and dimethylallyl diphosphate. Drug uses[edit] Ergotamine produces vasoconstriction peripherally as well as damages the peripheral epithelium. Ergotamine continues to be prescribed for migraines. See also[edit]
Ochrosia Ochrosia is a flowering plant genus of flowering plants, first described as a genus in 1789. It is in the milkweed family Apocynaceae,[1][2][3][4] native to Southeast Asia, Australia, and various islands of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.[5][6] Species[5] Ochrosia ackeringae (Teijsm. & Binn.) Miq. – Indonesia, Philippines, Papuasia, Christmas IslandOchrosia acuminata Trimen ex Valeton - SulawesiOchrosia alyxioides Guillaumin - VanuatuOchrosia apoensis Elmer - Luzon, MindanaoOchrosia balansae (Guillaumin) Baill. ex Guillaumin - New CaledoniaOchrosia basistamina Hendrian - SulawesiOchrosia bodenheimarum Guillaumin - Vallée de la Toutouta in New CaledoniaOchrosia borbonica J.F.Gmel. – Mauritius + Réunion; naturalized in GuangdongOchrosia brevituba Boiteau - New CaledoniaOchrosia brownii (Fosberg & Sachet) Lorence & Butaud - Nuku Hiva in MarquesasOchrosia citrodora K.Schum. & Lauterb. - New GuineaOchrosia coccinea (Teijsm. & Binn.) formerly included References[edit] External links[edit]
Dimethyltryptamine History[edit] Another historical milestone is the discovery of DMT in plants frequently used by Amazonian natives as additive to the vine Banisteriopsis caapi to make ayahuasca decoctions. Biosynthesis[edit] Biosynthetic pathway for N,N-dimethyltryptamine This transmethylation mechanism has been repeatedly and consistently proven by radiolabeling of SAM methyl group with carbon-14 (14C-CH3)SAM).[22][20][24][25][26] Evidence in mammals[edit] In 2013, researchers first reported DMT in the pineal gland microdialysate of rodents.[28] A study published in 2014 reported the biosynthesis of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in the human melanoma cell line SK-Mel-147 including details on its metabolism by peroxidases. [29] In a 2014 paper, a group first demonstrated the immunomodulatory potential of DMT and 5-MeO-DMT through the Sigma-1_receptor of human immune cells. INMT[edit] Endogenous DMT[edit] The first claimed detection of mammalian endogenous DMT was published in June 1965: German researchers F.
Alstonia The type species Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br. was originally named Echites scholaris by Linnaeus in 1767. Description[edit] Alstonia consists of about 40-60 species (according to different authors), native to tropical and subtropical Africa, Central America, southeast Asia, Polynesia and Australia, with most species in the Malesian region. These trees can grow very large, such as Alstonia pneumatophora, recorded with a height of 60 m and a diameter of more than 2 m. Alstonia trees are used in traditional medicine. Many Alstonia species are commercial timbers, called pule or pulai in Indonesia and Malaysia. Alstonia trees are widespread and mostly not endangered. Species[edit] Alstonia has five distinct sections, each a monophyletic group; Alstonia, Blaberopus, Tonduzia, Monuraspermum, Dissuraspermum. Accepted species[1] Alstonia actinophylla (A.Cunn.) Gallery[edit] Notes[edit] References[edit]
Muscimol Muscimol (agarin, pantherine) is the major psychoactive alkaloid present in many mushrooms of the Amanita genus. Muscimol is a potent, selective agonist for the GABAA receptors and displays sedative-hypnotic effects. Chemistry[edit] Muscimol is the psychoactive compound responsible for the effects of Amanita muscaria intoxication. Ibotenic acid, a neurotoxic secondary metabolite of Amanita muscaria, serves as a prodrug to muscimol when the mushroom is ingested or dried, converting to muscimol via decarboxylation. Biology[edit] Pharmacology[edit] While muscimol is conventionally thought of as a selective GABAA agonist, it is also a partial agonist at the GABAA-rho receptor, and so its range of effects results from a combined action at both targets.[7] In patients with Huntington's disease and chronic schizophrenia, oral doses of muscimol have been found to cause a rise of both prolactin and growth hormone.[8] Toxicity[edit] Effects[edit] See also[edit] Notes[edit] References[edit]
Alyxia Species[edit] [edit] References[edit] Middleton, D.J. (2000): Revision of Alyxia (Apocynaceae). Lysergic acid diethylamide Lysergic acid diethylamide, abbreviated LSD or LSD-25, also known as lysergide (INN) and colloquially as acid, is a semisynthetic psychedelic drug of the ergoline family, well known for its psychological effects which can include altered thinking processes, closed- and open-eye visuals, synesthesia, an altered sense of time and spiritual experiences, as well as for its key role in 1960s counterculture. It is used mainly as an entheogen, recreational drug, and as an agent in psychedelic therapy. LSD is non-addictive, is not known to cause brain damage, and has extremely low toxicity relative to dose.[3] However, acute adverse psychiatric reactions such as anxiety, paranoia, and delusions are possible.[4] LSD was first synthesized by Albert Hofmann in 1938 from ergotamine, a chemical derived by Arthur Stoll from ergot, a grain fungus that typically grows on rye. Effects Physical LSD can cause pupil dilation, reduced or increased appetite, and wakefulness. Psychological Sensory Potential uses
Cerbera Cerbera is a genus of evergreen small trees or shrubs, native to tropical Asia, Australia, Madagascar,and various islands in the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean.[2][3][4] Three trees of this genus are mangroves, Cerbera floribunda, Cerbera manghas and Cerbera odollam. The genus is named after Cerberus because all its parts are poisonous : they contain cerberin, a cardiac glycoside, a substance that blocks electric impulses in the body (including the beating of the heart). The genus is related to Cerberiopsis,[5] endemic to New Caledonia. Species[2] Cerbera dilatata Markgraf. - Chiute - Mariana IslandsCerbera dumicola P.I.Forst. - QueenslandCerbera floribunda K. formerly included Cerbera obovata Roem. & Schult. = Craspidospermum verticillatum Bojer ex Decne.Cerbera oppositifolia Lam. = Ochrosia oppositifolia (Lam.) References[edit] Jump up ^ 1897 illustration from Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen^ Jump up to: a b c "World Checklist of Selected Plant Families".
Dipropyltryptamine Frequent physical effects are nausea, numbness of the tongue or throat, and pupil dilation. Pharmacology[edit] Studies on rodents have found that the effectiveness with which a selective 5-HT2A receptor antagonist blocks the behavioral actions of this compound strongly suggest that the 5-HT2A receptor is an important site of action for DPT, but the modulatory actions of a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist also imply a 5-HT1A-mediated component to the actions of DPT.[2] Chemistry[edit] DPT changes Ehrlich's reagent purple and causes the marquis reagent to turn yellow.[3] Psychedelic properties[edit] While dipropyltryptamine is chemically similar to dimethyltryptamine, its psychoactive effects are markedly different.[4] The most prominent features of the DPT experience are increased significance or intensity of music, colors take on a new intensity or appearance, the body may have a buzz or vibratory feeling, a pleasant sensation of warmth, complete ego loss, apparitions of faces. Religious use[edit]
Researchers Have Found 15 New "Cosmic Whistles" Unlike Any We've Detected Before In Brief A team of researchers from the Breakthrough Listen initiative has detected 15 new fast radio bursts, flashes of energy that we pick up as radio chirps. All 15 of these signals came from a single source — FRB 121102, the only FRB to ever repeat — and they were at a previously undetected frequency. Extra Weird Signals Since we first started “listening” for cosmic sounds, we’ve picked up all manner of signals, from the truly remarkable to the downright strange. To date, scientists have only detected 20 or so sources of FRBs. While we know the general location of FRB 121102 — a dwarf galaxy about 3 billion light years away — we don’t quite know yet what generates these sounds. Out of This World The goal of the Breakthrough Listen initiative is to find evidence of intelligent extraterrestrial life, so could these 15 new FRBs be coming from E.T. phoning from somewhere? However, as much as we’d be delighted — or maybe terrified?
2C-B History[edit] 2C-B was synthesized from 2,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde by Alexander Shulgin in 1974. It first saw use among the psychiatric community as an aid during therapy. It was considered one of the best drugs for this purpose because of its short duration, relative absence of side effects, and comparably mild nature.[2] Shortly after becoming popular in the medical community, it became popular recreationally. 2C-B was first sold commercially as an aphrodisiac[3] under the trade name "Eros", which was manufactured by the German pharmaceutical company Drittewelle.[4] For several years, it was available as tablets in Dutch smart shops under the name "Nexus". Internationally, 2C-B is a Schedule II drug under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances.[5] In the Netherlands, 2C-B became a list I substance of the Opium Law despite no health incidents occurring. Patterns of use[edit] Toxicity and dosage[edit] The lethal dosage is unknown. Effects[edit] The effects of 2C-B include:[2][16][17]
Misha Black He was born in 1910 in Baku, Russian Empire (now Azerbaijan) into wealthy Jewish family. From 1959 to 1975 Black was a professor of industrial design at the Royal College of Art in London, England. During his tenure at the Royal College of Art, he became President of the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) from 1959 to 1961. He was also a Fellow of the Chartered Society of Designers, and winner of the Minerva Medal, the Society's highest award. Notable works[edit] Black is remembered largely for his iconic design of the Westminster street name signs; the black/brown/orange/yellow moquette originally used by London Transport and also the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive in the late 1970s onwards; and for the external styling of British Railways Southern Region British Rail Class 71 electric locomotives of 1958 and Western Region British Rail Class 52 diesel locomotives of 1961. Publications[edit] Black, Sir Misha (1983). Personal[edit] Legacy[edit]