u/Kalki_X

I've been doing some research on the cactus alkaloids, specifically the class of tetrahydroisoquinilones (TIQ). It looks like Pellotine is active at 5-HT1, HT6 and HT7 receptors. The 5-HT6 and HT7 receptors are known to promote synaptogenesis (formation of new brain synapses) which also happens via 5-HT2a (the more well-known receptor associated with psychedelics). This study concluded that Pellotine has relaxing effects.

There are several TIQ alkaloids with as yet unknown properties and cactus often contains the stimulant Hordenine (a phenethylamine-type alkaloid). It has dopaminergic (D2) activity, increases noradrenaline (NRI) and temporarily reduces MAO-B activity.

On a different note, I'd like to clarify that people with higher levels of the enzyme ALDH will require larger doses of mescaline. Conversely, people with naturally low ALDH levels will find smaller doses to be active. Many things can influence the level and activity of ALDH.

I originally used a standardised extract of pomegranate (as capsules) but a glass or 2 of juice will work for most people (as this poster reports). There's several ALDH inhibitors to choose from...but it's just as important to avoid things that increase ALDH. Here's a fairly comprehensive list:

• cruciferous vegetables (eg broccoli, broccoli sprouts)
• supplements containing taurine, lipoic acid (ALA), sulforaphane, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), garlic, turmeric/curcumin, glucosamine, carnosine, arginine, ornithine, resveratrol, dihydromyricetin, ALCAR, CoQ10
• vegetable (seed, nut) oils and omega 3/fish oils (omega fats get broken-down into aldehydes which will induce ALDH activity over time; eg acrolein, malondialdehyde)