Pellotine

Pellotine
Names
Systematic IUPAC name
6,7-Dimethoxy-1,2-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-8-ol
Other names
Peyotline; N-Methylanhalonidine
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
PubChem CID
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C13H19NO3/c1-8-11-9(5-6-14(8)2)7-10(16-3)13(17-4)12(11)15/h7-8,15H,5-6H2,1-4H3
    Key: NKHMWHLJHODBEP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
  • CC1C2=C(C(=C(C=C2CCN1C)OC)OC)O
Properties
C13H19NO3
Molar mass 237.299 g·mol−1
Melting point 110 to 113
Hazards
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC):
10 mg/kg (intravenous, dog)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Pellotine is an alkaloid found in Lophophora species, in particular L. diffusa. Pellotine is slightly narcotic, and has been used by Native Americans as a constituent of peyote for sacramental purposes.

Psychological and physiological effects

8-10 mg of isolated pellotine is known to cause convulsions in frogs. When injected subcutaneously to humans, participants have reported drowsiness and a desire not to exert any physical or mental effort with one study reporting it to have hypnotic effects. It is also reported to lower blood pressure and heart rate.

Ancient use

Native inhabitants of north-eastern Mexico around 810–1070 CE (according to carbon dating) are thought to have used a number of "mescal buttons" (peyote plant material) containing mescaline, pellotine, and other related alkaloids. While it is known that the cytisine-containing "mescal beans" were at least ornamental, it is unclear whether "mescal buttons" were ornamental or used for their psychoactive effects.

See also