mindperformer

nice pics! I didn't taste the fruit, but the freh leaves, and there were some safrol-components I forgot one Piper-species on Rarotonga (Cook Islands): I was there last year because I'm an avid fan of Polynesia. I hoped to find a Piper methysticum with the shaman of the island, Pa, but it was only Macropiper latifolium which he showed me. The missionaries eradicated the kava use there centuries ago. Pa said, he knows, where to find the real kava but it was the last day and I didn't have enough time left... The polynesian Kava-relative Macropiper latifolium: And Pa:

Macropiper excelsum... the Maori-Kava from New Zealand, the leaves are used there as flavouring in food ("maori-food") and also used for medicine and rituals: bladder problems, blood purifier, boils, buises, colds, eczema, for kidneys, stomach pains, toothache, aphrodisiac and stimulant. A really big Macropiper excelsum in New Zealand (North Island): another member from the Piper- genus: Piper auritum, the Makulan, with one of the highest Safrol-contents in plant-kingdom. In Mexiko it is used for flavouring: fish, meat and tamales are wrapped and cooked in the leaves and mole verde is made from mashed leaves. It is also used for medicine and incense for aztec rituals, for wound care, fever and diarrhea. Betel (Piper betle, thin leaf- variety), the famous second component of betel quids (with Areca nuts). In Oceania there is a clear line between "Betel- culture" and "Kava- culture". It has psycho-stimulant and used medicinally to cure worms. And the famous Kava, Piper methysticum, I got this plant today, because here in europe it is very hard to get the real Kava, because as a sterile species there are no seeds and as a plant nobody is shipping it to europe... but now I found a nice seller who does. I was searching for it for at least 15 years and now I'm very happy. It is a cultivar from Piper wichmannii in Papua-Newguinea and carried by the polynesians on their journeys from island to island in the pacific. The liver-toxic principles are only in the leaves and stems, not in the root. There have been some bad manufactured Kava with stems in circulation, which causes liver toxicity. the leaves were fallen off during the long shipping, but the stem and roots look very healthy: The black pepper (Piper nigrum), is a very tricky plant in cultivation, so I didn't order it, although I know a seller in europe. This is a picture of grains from the closest relative of the wild black pepper in India. They are from the Periyar- nationalpark in Kerala, south india and tastes delicious. Periyar-pepper, 24-fold: Piper guineense (Aschantipepper or Westafrican pepper) is used as spice in africa and is one of the best insecticides against thrips, which was testet from a university in Nigeria. It contains much piperine and is antiinflammatory. Piper cubeba (cubeb, java pepper or tailed pepper), tastes like a cross between allspice and black pepper. It is used in chinese-, tibetan- and many other medicine-systems. There were also cubeb-cigarettes for asthma. Too much (over 10g) can cause anxiety and deliria. It is used as aphrodisiac, euphoric and weakness of memory. Piper longum (Long pepper) is a good aphrodisiac in India and is mostly wild-harvested. The flavour is very warm and milder than black pepper. In Ayurveda it is used as stimulant and aphrodisiac.

When I was on the Kardung La (2008) it was summer, so only on the highest point there was snow. Ladakhis were driving, but the road was still very bumpy, but I think this was nothing in contrast to your efforts, respect! The main effort for me was the extremely high altitude which is very low in oxygen. I felt like 10 years older on the highest point and couldn't even walk fast. During the extreme-journey from Leh to Manali and Chandigarh we were sleeping in a tent-camp, Sarchu. This was very cold... Thanks for interesting report, FancyPants, and Respect! I wish to extend my sincere condolences to you and your family, for the loss of your father.

yes, its the more potent white poppy (var. glabrum?) which you can get at asia-shops -also here in Vienna.

The anxiolytic promising 6-Hydroxyflavone is the main constituent of Barleria prionitis.

you are absolutely right, and because of this I didn't took the affinities as alone determining the anxiolytic potential. There are many GABA-receptor- subtypes and as you wrote there are full agonists, partial agonists, competitive antagonists and so on... I agree with the anxiolytic activity of the Magnolia officinalis -constituents, lavender and galphimia. Magnolia-bark works for me as a good sedative too. Lavender acts also aromatherapeutical. A little insight in the complexity of GABA- Glycine- and GHB-receptors: GABA- receptors: GABAA, GABAB, GABAC endogene ligands: Diazepam, N-Desmethyldiazepam, GABA, (Glycine), β-CCP (β-carboline-3-carboxylat) (inverse agonist), Oxazepam, Tribuline BZc und BZp, Hemine und Protoporphyrine IX, Inosine, Hypoxanthine Endozepines: Diazepam-binding-Inhibitor (DBI), human endozepine (hEP), Triakontatetra- neuropeptide (TTN), Octadeca-neuroepetide (ODN), Neurosteroides: PREG (Pregnenolone)- Sulfate, Androsterone, DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosteron)- Sulfate, 3 alpha-5 alpha-THPROG (Allopregnanolone), Epipregnanolone, und THDOC (Tetrahydrodeoxy- corticosterone), Psychoactive used substances: Agonists: Muscimol, Ethanol, N2O, Valeranon, Withania somnifera- constituents, Borneol (partially), Coreximine, Acorus gramineus- H2O-Extr., Diethylether, Clomethiazol, Gelispirolide, Riligustilide, Ligustilide, Safranal, Paeoniflorine, Gaboxadol, positive allosteric modulators: 6-Methylflavone, Androsterone, Borneol, Etomidat, Thymol, Allopregnanolone, Propofol, Antagonists: α-Thujone, Arecaidine, Tabernanthine, Gelsemine, Bicuculline, Thymoquinone, Piracetam (?), water fraction from Acorus gramineus, Inverse agonists: b-Carboline, modulators/activators: Protopine, Scoulerine, Corydaline, Cryptopine, Tetrahydropalmatine, Allocryptopine, Withania somnifera- extr., Scoparinol (potentiates Barbiturates), Kalanchoe pinnata- constituents (potentiates Barbiturate), Amentoflavone (negative modulators), Isocurcumenol, Magnolol & Honokiol (additive pos. modulators), α-Pinen, Selective on α[1]β[2]γ[2L]- subunit: Agonists: Antagonists: Bilobalide, Action on Chloride-Ionchannel: Agonists: Etifoxine, Carnosol, Carnosic acid, Antagonists: Picrotoxine, Selekt. ß2 or ß3- subunits: inverse agonists: Loreclezol, Ethyl-β-carbolin-3-carboxylate (β-CCE), Methyl-β-carbolin-3-carboxylate (β-CCM), Valerenic acid, Etomidate, Benzodiazepine-subunit: While ligands with high affinity for the α1-subunit rather cause sedation, the α5-subunit is responsible for ataxia and amnesia. Ligands with high affinity for α2- und α3- subtypes generally have higher anxiolytic activity. Anticonvulsive effects are triggered by all subtypes, but mainly by α2-selective agonists. Necessary for a "classical" benzodiazepine- effect (such as Diazepam) is additionally the γ-subunit of the receptor. The muscle relaxant and anxiolytic action is also responsible for euphoria and addiction potential. Zolpidem has a higher selectivity than diazepam for the α1-subtype. Flavonoids (also Amentoflavone) act weaker on the (among other) α1ß2γ2-subtype. Receptors with α1ß2γ2 are inhibited by a high dose of Apigenin, while a low dose potentiated the binding of Diazepam. However, hispidulin is a relatively unselective positive allosteric modulator of α1,2,3,5,6ß2γ2-subtypes, but mainly on α1,2,5ß2γ2. Oxoxylin A from Scutellaria baicalensis is a neutralizing allosteric modulator and is inhibiting the anxiolytic, muscle relaxing, but not the sedative action of diazepam. 6-Hydroxyflavone prefers α2- and α3- over α1- and α5- subtypes and thus has only anxiolytic effects. Flunitrazepam causes (yet after two days intake) a down-regulation of the α1-subunit. It is potentiating GABA on α1-,β2-,γ2-receptors and decreasing its action on α6-,β2-,γ2-receptors. Besides it is a α2-adrenoceptor-agonist. Agonists: Diazepam (acts mainly on α1-γ2- and also α2,α3,α5-γ2 - subtypes) and other Benzodiazepines like Temazepam in tarragon, (Kawain, Dihydro-Methysticine, Yangonin ?), 6-Methylapigenin, Tanshinone, Scutellarin, Chrysin, Flavone, Apigenin, Wogonin, Hispidulin, Melatonin bei hoher Dosis, Miltiron, Ajmalicin (= Raubasin), Galdosol, Linarin, Ethanol, Diethylether, Methaqualon, Baicalein, Baicalin, 7-Methoxyrosmanol, Skullcapflavon I u. II, Kessyl-glycol-diacetat (Baldrian), Hesperidin, Hesperetin, Amentoflavon, Phellopterin, dl-Tetrahydropalmatin (?), Akangelicol, Imperatorin, Cirsiliol, Carnosol, Paeonol, Carnosolsäure, Oroxylin, Oryzagenin, Ginkgetin, Isoginkgetin, Agathisflavone, Hydroxypinoresinol, Kaempferol, α-Pinen, Inosin (Cordyceps sin.), Hypoxanthin, Xenovulen A, Mayumbin, partial agonists: Imidazenil, Bretazenil Antagonists: Flumazenil, Harman, Piracetam (?), Taurin, 6-Methylflavone, Inverse agonists: R015-4513, Tabernanthin, Harmine, Harmaline, Harman, Harmalol, BZD- potentiators: 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyd (in Gastrodia elata), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy= benzaldehyd (Vanillin), selective on ω1-BZD-subunit: Agonists: Zolpidem, Alpidem, Zaleplon, >only sleep induction TZP, Cirsiliol, Quazepam selective on omega2- and espec. omega3- subunit: Agonists: Zopiclone, Suriclone, Pagoclone, Antagonisten: β-CCT, selective on α5- subunit: Agonists: QH-II-66 (a Benzodiazepine- derivatve), (−)-Epigallocatechin gallat, Ethanol, Inverse Agonists: β-CCM, β-CCE, L-655,708, selective on α3- subunit: Agonists: Adipiplon, selective on ω2-BZD-subunit: Agonists: Clobazam, Arfendazam, Lofendazam, Barbiturate-subunit: With low doses barbiturates: positive allosteric modulation of the GABA-receptor (like the Benzodiazepines). With higher doses barbiturates: direct activation of the chloride channel of the receptor. The modulation at lower doses will lead to longer CL-channel-openings in presence of GABA (Benzodiazepines cause more frequent channel openings). Agonists: Pentobarbital, Phenobarbital, Secobarbital ua. Barbiturate, (Allo)- und (Epi)-Pregnanolon (endogen), 5α-tetrahydro= deoxycorticosteron (α-THDOC) (endogen), Etazolat, Tricazolat, Clomethiazol, Antagonists: Bemegrid, Picrotoxinin, ZyclicPhosphate, Coriamyrtin, GABA-B-receptors: Agonists: Baclofen, GHB, Phenibut Antagonists: Passiflora-Benzoflavones, GABAA-rho -Rezeptor ? Mitochondrial Benzodiazepine- Receptor: MBR, PBR od. MDR or „Diazepam Binding Inhibitor- Receptor“ or BZRP (Benzodiazepine receptor peripheral), Endogene ligands: Porphyrine (mainly Hemin und Protoporphyrin IX, Diazepam, Desmethyldiazepam, DBI (Diazepam Binding Inhibitor), DBI-(17-50), Endozepine, Psychoactive used substances: Agonists: 2-Phenylindol-3-acetamides like Zopiclon, Alpidem, Zolpidem among others, Clonazepam, THDOC (Neurosteroid), 4'-chlorodiazepam, AC-5216, ALX-620-045, Diazepam, Flunitrazepam (the last: less selective), Antagonists: PK11195, GABA-Reuptake-Transporters:GAT-1, GAT-2, GAT-3, BGT-1 Endogene ligands: GABA, Na+- Ionen Psychoactive used substances: Inhibitors: CI966, NO711, ®-Tiagabin, 3-(Aminomethyl)-2,6-difluorphenol, R(+)-4-methylaminocrotonic acid, Nipecotic acid, Arecaidin, Guvacin, Cannabidiol, Δ9-THC, ß-Alanin, Hyperforin, GABA-Transaminase: UGA1 (enzyme which degrades GABA) Endogene ligands: GABA Psychoactive used substances: Inhibitors: Valproic acid, Imperatorin, Falcarindiol, Gastrodin, 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyd, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy= benzaldehyde (Vanillin), Glutamate-decarboxylase: GAD (enzyme which degrades GABA): Endogene ligands: GABA, Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal phosphat) as Cofactor Psychoaktive used substances: Activators: ®-3-methyl-GABA, Inhibitors: Allylglycine, Glycine- receptors: GlyR Endogene ligands: Glycine, L-Serin, Taurin, Hypotaurin, L-, D- und β-Alanin Psychoaktive used substances: Agonists: Strychnine, Brucin, Taurin Antagonists: 2-amino-5-bromo-2'-chlorobenzophenon (ABPH)- ein Phenazepam- Metabolit, Gelsemine, Glycine-transporter: GlyT1, GlyT2 Endogene ligands: Glycin Psychoaktive used substances: Activators: Inhibitors: ALX 5407, Sarcosin GHB- receptors: GHB-R Endogene ligands: GHB, Trans-4-Hydroxycrotonic acid Psychoaktive used substances: Agonists: Na-GHB, K-GHB, t-HCA, 4-Hydroxyvalerate, Antagonists: NCS-382 Upregulators: Sulpirid, Amisulprid

The related and also bioactive Rhodiola kirilowii in Ladakh on the highest motorable road in the world, the Kardung La: 5.359m, i found the plant at about 5.300m:

I agree, Kava had a bad reputation because of studies (payed from the pharmaceutical industry) in which they gave extremely high doses of kavapyrones together with medis and observed liver failure. Later this was disconfirmed, but this wasn't really propagated. After all its easy to get kava-powder and extracts here in Austria.

yeah, you're right, ;-)... I understand, then its only the oil which is legal there?

to the climate: that depends on the perspective, I don't like the winter... I know, there is also much wild C. ruderalis growing here, shooting out of the earth... you perfectly described the law here :-)

hey pan! :-) your plants look impressive, Hut ab I will give my Piper methysticum some time to slowly adapt to the conditions here: The small greenhouse I shaded afterwards.

in Austria the situation isn't much better, although Sigmund Freud was born here. You only get 20€/ month from health insurance for psychotherapy, which i think is the most constructive, depending on the therapist. Psychologists and psychiatrists should be payed completely by health insurancee.

really? i didn't know that... for a poppy bagel? there is iodized poppy seed oil in indonesian kitchen, but you're right, indonesia has one of the most restrictive laws against drugs: http://www.travelwireasia.com/2012/02/kerobokan-prison-blues-tourists-and-indonesias-harsh-drug-laws/

I agree with you, thats the reason why kava is much harder to get, especially in europe. I got a plant today and put it in a small greenhouse with controlled warm temperature, high humidity and mild light.

there's much confusion... Sorry for my extremely reaction (to the deleting of my post before I could change it). As I already wrote I was upset, but there is no reason anymore to delete all my posts (this would have been a reaction if this post would have been deleted). The case was resolved with the admins and there is no problem anymore.

I agree absolutely with passionflower. Lobelia is also a kind of substitute for tobacco, but with much less addiction-potential.

did you try a psychotherapy? it sounds pathological to me, so benzos and the plant-equivalents are no solution, only sporadic at very severe emerges. within a psychotherapy Boerhaavia diffusa with a strong Passiflora-extract can be helpful. Rhodiola and Withania can help too.

With silene I need only a very tiny piece of the root, which is enjoyable to chew. The extraction method (for Calea and many other plants): Grind it very well and pour 96%-alcohol over it in a screw top jar, just to cover. Let it sit for one hour, then pour about the same amount of distilled water over it. Then let it leave it in a dark place, shaking it sometimes. After about 2-3 weeks you strain through a sieve, put aside the liquid, and extract the plantmaterial again for one day, but now only with tap-water. You strain this also through a sieve and then combine both of the liquids. Filtrate it through (2 stuck together) coffee-filters and pour it in a large baking bowl to dry. The water should be vaporized in 2-3 days, if not its too cold, then put it on a heating mat or something warm. You should get a brown resinous, spicy smelling extract. Scrape it with a razor blade and put it in gelatine-capsules and those in a airtight bag or glass.

This ice-tea one can buy at vending machines in Austria too :-) I agree with you about the shitty climate ;-)

The distribution of Acacia obtusifolia: http://www.google.at...29,r:5,s:0,i:84 One of the most endangered species of the genus is Acacia phlebophylla, The Mount Buffalo Wattle: The distribution: http://www.google.at/imgres?q=acacia+phlebophylla+distribution&um=1&hl=de&biw=1527&bih=823&tbm=isch&tbnid=Zwt8ns4vS5qfIM:&imgrefurl=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Acacia-phlebophylla-range-map.png&imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/Acacia-phlebophylla-range-map.png&w=314&h=284&ei=NTA9UKSNAcWLswadqoDIBQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=188&vpy=150&dur=979&hovh=213&hovw=237&tx=85&ty=69&sig=118135100028376239608&page=1&tbnh=156&tbnw=172&start=0&ndsp=30&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:69 Acacia phlebophylla- leaves (collected fallen off leaves, not picked): Acacia phlebophylla- leaf 24-fold: Acacia phlebophylla- seed 24-fold: and a small seedling:

very interesting, did you make a tea? it really tastes horribly, i think it's one of the most bitter herbs. I preferred to make a dry extract, fill it in capsules and take one of them before sleep. the recall was always way better.

I must correct me: oxycodone is the strongest natural opiate (like i wrote at the picture). fentanyl is also not the strongest synthetic opioid. the most potent synthetic is Lofentanil, which is over 100 times as potent as fentanyl. In second place there is carfentanil, which is slightly less potent than lofentanil. Opiates are the opium-alkaloids and chemical related semisynthetics (Oxycodone was thought to be a semisynthetic opiate, now it is a natural opiate) Opioids are substances, which act in opioid-receptors, but are not related to opium-alkaloids, like the fentanyl-group, methadon, buprenorphine, the peptides etc.

I absolutely agree with you, its underestimated... I'm looking for a good alcohol-alternative too ...glycerine may not be a good equivalent solvent, but for conservation it could be fine somebody tried an oil-extraction of the finly grinded flowers?

its like planthelper wrote, the seeds are grey, they are P. somniferum and the pods contain only little alkaloids in the Waldviertler Graumohn. In the Waldviertel you can also get white and black poppy, but they are not as traditional... Here some poppy-foods from Austria: honey with white poppy-seeds: the poppy-pesto: and poppy oil: there are many hemp-products too, but this will get its own thread ;-)

I think the plant drives the insects sluggish, because they disperse the pollen more effectively when the buzz around, perfect approach To the oxycodone: Its 1,5-2 times as strong as morphine, so it's the strongest opiate, BUT: there are stronger acting opioids: 7-hydroxy-mitragynine is 11,3 times more potent than oxycodone and of course some peptides in frog secretions (Phyllomedusa) and our neuropeptides are far more potent, but don't work orally. I will add a list of the affinities in the pharmacology-section.