Written by Rewati Karan
YouTuber and Bigg Boss winner Elf Yadav was recently detained on charges of using snake venom as a recreational drug. When animals are used for psychoactive substances, whether it is body parts or secretions, they are called psychoactive animals. When consumed in sufficient quantities, they have mind-altering properties. Animals exploited for such purposes include:
snake venom
Although it may seem strange, relying on traditional or unusual habits is not uncommon. The practice of snake venom poisoning is a fairly common phenomenon in the Indian subcontinent. A 2021 study published in the National Library of Medicine highlighted that snake venom poisoning can be fatal, but some patients may be able to survive thanks to antibodies in their body from previous snake bites. It turned out that the patient made a complete recovery without any treatment. His 2022 paper published by All India
toad and frog
Amphibians such as toads and frogs synthesize high levels of amines such as serotonin, histamine, and tyramine in their skin for chemical defense. The sea frogs Bufo alvarius and Bufo marinus also have glands that secrete a viscous, milky toxin, which researchers say was used for ritual purposes by ancient peoples of Mesoamerica (southern central Mexico). It was said to have been used as an intoxicant. Marinus venom was used as “zombie powder” in pre-Columbian North America. However, toad venom is known to have evolved as a defense against predators, so it is best not to ingest it orally as it is ineffective and can be fatal. Many species of toads and frogs produce poisons and skin chemicals that cause psychoactive effects when inhaled, although it is not recommended to be ingested orally. Another chemical called tryptamine bufotenin, found in some species of toads, causes hallucinogenic effects after ingestion.
hallucinogenic fish
Fish found in South African waters, including clownfish, rabbitfish, sea bream, sea bream, surgeonfish, goatfish, mullet, and grouper.
This condition is called fish aryenotoxin, and it is an abnormal poisoning caused by ingesting certain types of poisonous fish. Another fish, Salpa salpa, also known as the “dream fish” or “nightmare fish,” is found in temperate and tropical regions from the Atlantic coast of Africa to the Mediterranean Sea, and causes vivid hallucinations that last for several days.
red harvest ant
Used primarily for religious and medical practices by native peoples of southern and south-central California, red harvester ants are also known to cause hallucinations and mind-altering effects when eating live ants. These ants have a protein, enzyme, and histamine toxin that is known to be more toxic than Oriental homet or honey bee venom. These ant venoms also contain formic acid and polypeptide kinins, which can cause pain, inflammation, and low blood pressure, while some have nicotinic cholinergic activity that can induce hallucinations. there is.