BIO
201: Botany
PSYCHOACTIVE &
POISONOUS PLANTS
In reality a narrow distinction between the three categories:
MEDICINAL - of positive value to the body
PSYCHOACTIVE - mind altering, no long term effect
POISONOUS OR TOXIC - distinct negative effect on body, either short or long term
DEF = plants which influence the central nervous system by modifying the release of neurotransmitters or mimicking their action
Classified based on their effect:
1) stimulants - excite & enhance mental alertness, reduce fatigue, and/or suppress hunger
2) hallucinogens - change perception, thought, & mood
3) depressants - dull mental awareness, reduce physical performance, induce sleep
EXAMPLES OF PSYCHOACTIVE PLANTS
1) Opium poppy – depressant or hallucinogen (based on dose)
pain killer, source of morphine and codeine
morphine can be chemically changed to produce heroin
2) Tobacco – contains the stimulant nicotine
native to America - introduced to Europe by Sir Walter Raleigh and initially
prohibited by the King
3) Coca – hallucinogen
source of cocaine
small tree common in Andes Mountains
leaves chewed - suppresses hunger, thirst, fatigue
originally used in the production of Coca-cola (2 plants)
4) Belladonna, Henbane & jimson weed – hallucinogen
contain a number of chemicals
all in the nightshade family (Solanaceae)
used in witch's brews to give feeling of flying
5) Marijuana - with 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a hallucinogen
also of medicinal value to treat glaucoma and chemotherapy side effects
DEF = plants which have a detrimental effect on the physiology
Categorized by type of compounds produced
1) alkaloids - contain an alkaline group, have bitter taste
cause vomiting, diarrhea and nausea
2) glycosides - contain a sugar + additional portion
cause nausea, vomiting, headaches
3) oxalates - complex organic compounds as nonwater soluble crystals
cause irritation of any part it comes in contact with
4) resins - non-water soluble chemicals, oils
cause typical dermatitis response
EXAMPLES OF POISONOUS PLANTS
1) poison hemlock - causes respiratory failure
in lower concentration, diarrhea & vomiting
any part of the plant contains alkaloids
2) rattle box - alkaloids cause lung ailments and liver damage
biggest problem from contaminated seeds in with flour
liver disease: veno-occlusive disease
3) philodendron - common house plant
contains calcium oxalate crystals which physically abrade
4) poison ivy, oak, sumac - severe itching
contain oleoresins
can be removed with soapy water if not absorbed
5) milkweed - glycosides which affect the nervous system
common effects are vomiting, and weakness; sap can also cause dermatitis reactions
has a milky sap (source of name)
6) Apple, peach, apricot and cherry -
fruits well known as edible
seeds contain cyanide which inhibit insect predation
ingestion causes problems only if seeds are broken open to release cyanide