Scientists at the University of Valladolid in Spain claim to have found the first direct evidence that humans already used hallucinogenic drugs in Europe some 3,000 years ago. The discovery was made from the analysis of locks of hair found in the cave of Es Càrritx, on the Spanish island of Menorca.
According to an article published in Scientific Reports on Thursday (6/4), the substances are derived from plants and shrubs and were probably used in rituals performed in the cave.
The Es Càrritx cave was discovered in 1995. Small cylindrical wooden containers with locks of hair from approximately 2,900 years old were found there. They were hidden in a cave located in a remote area, which contributed to the preservation.
By analyzing the composition of the threads, the researchers detected the presence of three psychoactive substances: atropine, scopolamine and ephedrine, which may be related to the consumption of plants such as mandrake, henbane, weed and certain species of shrubs and pines, according to the study authors.
Atropine and scopolamine are known to induce delusions and hallucinations — together they can cause sedation. Ephedrine is a stimulant that increases energy and alertness.
In an interview with the EFE news agency, researcher Cristina Rihuete, from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, said that it is unlikely that hallucinogens were used as a medicine for pain relief, since handling the substances is very risky due to their toxicity. , which favors the theory of use for hallucinogenic purposes.
The study also draws attention to the presence of traces of circular inscriptions on the lids of the containers, similar to those found on artifacts from other cultures. The circles and spirals are interpreted as references to eyes and visions.
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