Tag: Psychoactive plants

An estimated 10-20% of the world's population chews betel nut, making it the fourth most used psychoactive substance after caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine [1.4.4, 1.14.1]. While both are chewed stimulants, the answer to 'Is khat the same as betel nut?' is no; they are entirely different plants with unique effects and risks.

The blue lotus flower, *Nymphaea caerulea*, has been associated with ancient rituals for millennia and is the primary species reputedly linked to producing mild euphoric effects. Many misconceptions exist regarding which lotus varieties possess psychoactive properties, with the true lotus (*Nelumbo nucifera*) being distinct from the water lilies that are said to contain these compounds.

Contrary to its name, the active compound apomorphine found in Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) does not contain morphine or bind to opioid receptors [1.3.2, 1.4.5]. The question, **does blue lotus have morphine?**, arises from a misunderstanding of its pharmacology, which is centered around different psychoactive alkaloids.

Depictions of the sacred Blue Lotus appear on the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to the 14th century B.C.. Often asked 'What is the blue flower drug?', the answer refers to *Nymphaea caerulea*, a water lily with psychoactive properties that has been used medicinally and recreationally for millennia.

Despite some varieties of *Coleus* being anecdotally associated with mild psychoactive effects, decades of pharmacological research confirm that the plant is not a controlled substance or a narcotic. This article investigates the science behind the different species, clarifying their chemical properties and addressing common misinformation surrounding the key term **is coleus a narcotic**.