HALLUCINOGENS: DELIRIANTS Flashcards
6 questions
____ belong to a class of hallucinogens known as anticholinergics, they block acetylcholine in both the central and peripheral nervous systems
deliriants
which families are naturally occurring deliriant drugs found in?
solanaceous plants, Tomato
_____: produce strong deliriant effect, cause stupor, confusion and amnesia
users have little control over their actions, common symptoms include disrobing, conversing with non-existent people, inability to recognize oneself in the mirror
anticholinergics
what does acetylcholine do? as a neurotransmitter
principal neurotransmitter for neurons controlling peripheral muscular activity and for cholinergic neurons (in basal ganglia and motor cortex)
____ plant species were super important to early agriculture and social development in Central/South America
solanaceous
tomato, capsicum pepper, potato, tobacco!
why were solanaceous plants in Europe not important, compared to how important they were in the Americas?
most are poisonous, associated with devilery and witchcraft
henbane, belladonna
most solanaceous plant species contain ____
tropane alkaloids
most are potent anticholinergic agents, block acetylcholine receptors
where are the tropane alkaloids of solanaceous plants found? which plant part?
mostly in roots, but accumulate in varying-amounts in aboveground parts
what are the three main pharmacologically active solanaceous tropane alkaloids? what are they use for?
hyoscine- antispasmoidic, sedative that reduces secretions pre-op, produces amnesia, alleviates side effects of anaesthetics
atropine- sedative/anaesthetic
hyoscyamine- sedative/anaesthetic, treats Parkinson’s
_____ alkaloids initially cause CNS depression, then stimulation
tropane alkaloids
small doses of _____ cause:
- blurred vision, suppressed salivation, excitement, drowsiness, fatigue, euphoria, amnesia, delirium, loss of attention
larger doses cause: perceptual distortions, hallucinations, all sense of reality lost, people become highly suggestible and oblivious
tropane alkaloids
what were the two main solanaceous plants associated with European/American witchcraft? used in brews and ointments, mixed with animal fats to become soluble, increase absorption
henbane
belladonna
created hallucinogenic effect that led to “flying” sensation, hallucinations, etc. (all reported as symptoms of witchcraft!!)
what is the most important solanaceous plant in European folklore?
mandrake
long associated with peculiar superstitions and ceremonies in Europe and Western Asia
there were many myths on how to safely handle a mandrake plant… what was the oldest, main superstition?
had to dig around base, tie a dog to the root
when the root is pulled, the piercing shriek of the plant kills the dog, letting the dog be sacrificed for the plant
T/F: mandrake superstitions became more elaborate over time
true!
have ears filled with cotton/wax
make cross on plant
etc.
the mandrake cult and all its superstitions arose because of what?
the shape of a mandrake plant resembles a human
T/F: mandrake roots were kept as fetishes or talismans, to bring good fortune
true!
T/F: although associated with good fortune, mandrake was paradoxically associated with witchcraft and the underworld
true!
T/F: Joan of Arc possessed mandrake root when she was captured after the war- it was evidence of demonic influence!
true!
what was mandrake used for in Europe?
divine secrets, cure sterility in women, gain affection from others, turned into dolls and cared for as good luck
species of ____ have a long history of use for divination and shamanistic purposes
Datura
______ was used extensively as an entheogen by the Aztecs, Mayans, and Central Americans
Datura innoxia
In India and Haiti, ___ was used both medicinally and as an intoxicant
Datura metel
______ was used as a hallucinogen in parts of Africa
Jimson weed (Datura)
