Phenylethylamine alkaloids
Phenylethylamine alkaloids are natural products with an open tetrahydroisoquinoline structure (see substituted phenethylamines.[1]
Occurrence
[edit]Phenylethylamine alkaloids occur in many plants, including members of the families Cactaceae and Leguminosae, as well as Ranunculaceae, Celastraceae, Taxaceae, Malvaceae, Papaveraceae, Poaceae, and Amaryllidaceae.[2]
Representatives
[edit]The eponym of this alkaloid group is the alkaloid phenethylamine.[2] (-)-ephedrine is found in Ephedra vulgaris, Ephedra sinica, and other Ephedraceae species. One of the best-known representatives is mescaline from the cactus Lophophora williamsii.[1]
Properties
[edit]Phenylethylamine alkaloids are physiologically active compounds and are therefore of considerable importance. Epinephrine (adrenaline) is known as an adrenal hormone. The β-oxidized macromerine is reported to possess hallucinogenic properties. Pseudoephedrine and norephedrine are sympathomimetic substances with effects similar to those of ephedrine. Mescaline is one of the longest-known hallucinogenic substances.[2]
(-)-Ephedrine is used as a bronchodilator for asthma attacks. It also increases blood pressure and stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. The mescaline-containing “peyote buttons” (the dried out bodies of the cactus Lophophora williamsii) are chewed to produce classical psychedelic effects.[1]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 E. Breitmaier (1997), Alkaloide, Wiesbaden: Springer Fachmedien, pp. 76f., ISBN 9783519035428
- 1 2 3 Entry on β-Phenylethylamin-Alkaloide. at: Römpp Online. Georg Thieme Verlag, retrieved {{{Datum}}}.