Question

Mescaline is obtained from
(a)Lophophora
(b)Psilocybe
(c)Claviceps
(d)Erythroxylon

Answer 1

Mescaline is one of the psychedelic drugs and is also known as 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine. It is a naturally occurring hallucinogenic that is obtained from two species of spineless, button-like cacti such as the peyote cactus.

Complete answer:
Mescaline is a naturally occurring alkaloid that is a substituted phenethylamine and is known for its hallucinogenic action which is comparable to LSD.
It is seen in certain species of cactus belonging to the genus Lophophora particularly Lophophora williamsii and Lophophora diffusa. However, in Lophophora diffusa they are found in trace amounts only.
It is used to treat alcoholism and depression and its effects include euphoria, a dream-like state, pupillary dilation, and laughter.

Additional Information: -Mescaline induces a psychedelic state that is similar to those induced by LSD and psilocybin which is another alkaloid. But, the characteristics induced by it is unique with subjective effects such as altered thinking processes, altered sense of self-awareness and time, and certain closed and open eye visual phenomena.
-There are four form-constant geometric visuals or hallucinations experienced by a person in the initial stages of a mescaline trip. They are the cobweb, chess board design, spiral, and tunnel pattern.
-As with LSD, synesthesia may be seen in mescaline trips, especially with music.
-A unique unusual characteristic of mescaline use is “Geometricization” in which three-dimensional objects may start appearing flat and distorted.
So, the correct answer is, “ Lophophora ”

Note:
-Mescaline is also obtained from certain other cacti such as the San Pedro Cactus or Echinopsis pachanoi, the Peruvian torch or Echinopsis peruviana, and certain other species too.
-Mescaline is also found in small amounts in certain members of Fabaceae or the bean family.
-It is also biosynthesized from tyrosine, which in turn can be derived from phenylalanine by the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase.