thoroughly as yet, but are reported (15) to have traces 
of toxic alkaloids. 
The Crassulaceae have received very little chemical at- 
tention, but the species of Cotyledon called peyote, which 
are reported as causing insanity,contain a powerful gluco- 
side (15). Many species of Cotyledon have known medi- 
cinal properties and are used in various parts of the world 
as vulneraries (5). 
No chemical investigation has been carried out with 
Cacalia cordifolia. This ‘‘peyote’’ is thought by Urbina 
(34) and Safford (22) to have been the Peyotl Xochimil- 
censis of Hernandez, although Martinez (12) believes it 
to be Senecio albo-lutescens Sch. Bip. another “*peyote.” 
However, Cacalia cordifolia (cachane) is offered for sale 
in the drug markets of Jalisco as an aphrodisiac and as a 
cure for sterility (22). Due to the closeness of the genus 
Cacalia to Senecio, a genus rich in active principles, it 
seems probable that Cacalia may possess glucosides or 
alkaloids. 
Of the more than 1200 species of Senecio in all parts 
of the world, many are used medicinally because of their 
bitter and astringent properties, and many are known to 
be poisonous (5). Although none of the species listed 
above has been chemically investigated, the possibility 
that alkaloids or glucosides may exist in these Mexican 
species is not remote. The following active principles 
have been reported in Senecio spp. : senecionin, senecin, 
seneciofolin, and seneciofolidin (6, 6). 
Rhynchosia longeracemosa has never been studied 
chemically and, therefore, is not known to possess an ac- 
tive principle. The Leguminosae, however, are not lack- 
ing in a large number of active glucosides and alkaloids. 
Datura meteloides is a well-known narcotic plant and 
needs no discussion beyond pointing out that Safford, 
likening the seeds of this plant to those of Jpomoea spp., 
[78 ] 
