THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROGRAM



        
      What is the biochemistry and alkaloid composition
      of Astrophytum and Lophophora?

             
            Currently at Sul Ross State University, Dr. Terry, Dr. Doug McCombs and Dr. Jeff Allison are using analytical chemistry techniques to isolate, characterize, and in some cases quantify alkaloids from peyote, star cactus, and other species of cacti.
             In the case of star cactus, preliminary data suggest that star cactus is devoid of peyote alkaloids, and that therefore there is no benefit for Native American Church members to ingest it as they ingest peyote.
            This research is important since anecdotal evidence indicates a growing demand for star cactus by devotees of some branches of the loosely affiliated Native American Church.





    Please enjoy our featured articles:


    A Tale of Two Cacti


    by Dana M. Price & Martin Terry


    Button, button, who's got the button?

    by Martin Terry


    Conservation of Lophophora in Mexico

    by Martin Terry
    Flora of the Dead Horse Mountains

    by Joselyn Fenstermacher





    Cactus Conservation Institute