Methylenedioxyphenethylamine

Methylenedioxyphenethylamine (also known as MDPEA or 3,4-methylenedioxyphenethylamine) is a chemical compound and monoamine alkaloid that is found in a variety of plants, including the khat plant and the peyote cactus. It is a member of the phenethylamine class of compounds, which also includes amphetamine, mescaline, and ephedrine.

Chemical Structure and Properties

MDPEA is a phenethylamine derivative, with a chemical structure that includes a phenyl ring and an ethylamine side chain. The compound also features a methylenedioxy functional group, which is a characteristic feature of many psychoactive substances. MDPEA is a colorless, crystalline solid at room temperature, and it is soluble in water and most organic solvents.

Natural Occurrence

MDPEA is found naturally in several plant species. It is a major constituent of the khat plant, a shrub native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula that has been used for centuries for its stimulant effects. MDPEA is also found in the peyote cactus, which is used in traditional Native American religious ceremonies for its psychedelic properties.

Pharmacology

The pharmacological effects of MDPEA are not well understood. It is known to act as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which means it can increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. However, the compound does not appear to have the same psychoactive effects as other phenethylamines, such as mescaline or amphetamine. More research is needed to fully understand the pharmacology of MDPEA.

Legal Status

The legal status of MDPEA varies by country. In the United States, it is not specifically listed as a controlled substance, but it may be considered illegal under the Federal Analog Act if it is intended for human consumption. In the United Kingdom, MDPEA is a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

See Also

• Phenethylamine
• Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
• Methylenedioxyamphetamine