3 ms·
Most plant-based psychoactive substances are, no? Caffeine and nicotine are insecticides as well. In our brain, the effects are more interesting The same goes
by sph 3y ago
Most plant-based psychoactive substances are, no? Caffeine and nicotine are insecticides as well. In our brain, the effects are more interesting
The same goes for mescaline, cocaine, psilocybin, ibogaine. Also the smelly components found in onion and garlic, for example. The ergot alkaloids from which LSD was first synthesised are from a fungus, a pest that grows on some grasses, so I'm not sure if it's the same.
- rex_lupi 3y agoChilli peppers are another interesting example in this regard. The hot capsaicin is supposed to deter mammals from eating them, because the seeds lose germination ability if the pass through mammalian digestive tract. Only mammals possess the TRPV1 receptor proteins susceptible to capsaicin but not birds, who are the preferred seed dispersal agents of the plants.
- sph 3y agoYes. There is certainly an evolutionary advantage in creating an insecticide that also attracts species that helps the plant reproduce or spread. Tobacco, coffee, cocoa or cannabis for that matter will never have to fear going extinct.
- rex_lupi 3y ago>There is certainly an evolutionary advantage in creating an insecticide that also attracts species that helps the plant reproduce or spread... It is rather a "side effect" that came about later.