Hallucinogens

A number of other plant species produce hallucinogenic substances. Some also have uncomfortable side effects that go along with the hallucinations, so they seldom are used.

Trees of the Barbados cherry family (Malpighiaceae), which grow in the tropics contain certain alkaloids or beta-carboline. The bark of the tree is boiled or is squeezed and twisted in cold water and the water extract of the bark is drunk. The resulting liquid is bitter and, along with hallucinations, brings on pronounced nausea. It is seldom used because of its unpleasant side effects.

The seeds of two species of morning glory of the family Convolvulaceae contain lysergic acid amide, a substance closely related to LSD. Chewing the seeds releases the hallucinogen. Here again, however, some morning glory seeds are poisonous instead of hallucinogenic.

Even some members of the bean family can produce hallucinogens. Two species within the genus Anadinanthera contain tryptamines or beta-carbolins, which are hallucinogenic. Some of the 500 species of the genus Mimosa produce a hallucinogen used in ancient tribal rites. The tribes that used these plants no longer exist and the secret of extracting the hallucinogen has gone with them.

The belladonna plant, or deadly nightshade, produces hyoscymamine and to a lesser extent scapolamine, both of which are hallucinogens. Belladonna is a dangerous plant that can cause death, hence its nickname. Greatly diluted purified extracts from it have been used in clinical medicine.

Hallucinogens, then, have been known and used for centuries. They may be found in surprising sources, though the effective dose of a hallucinogen may closely border the lethal dose and the ability to select the proper source to extract the active drug is something to be left to experts. Hallucinogens may leave a legacy of long-lasting toxicity that may permanently alter brain functions and render the user helpless. These potent substances are not as harmless or recreational as one is led to believe by those in the drug subculture.