Morning glory

# Research Output: Morning Glory

**Substance:** Morning glory (PSX-0265)
**Primary species:** *Ipomoea tricolor* Cav. (and related psychoactive Convolvulaceae)
**Research date:** 2026-05-14
**Readiness estimate:** Low–moderate (≤0.25). Limited controlled human pharmacology; core evidence is from case reports, forensic analyses, and ethnobotanical literature.

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## Botanical Identity

### Taxonomy and Accepted Names

Morning glory is a common name applied to several species in the family Convolvulaceae, genus *Ipomoea* L., but in the context of psychoactive use it refers primarily to **Ipomoea tricolor Cavanilles 1794** — the "Heavenly Blue" morning glory (Meira et al. 2012 [Ref 14]). *I. tricolor* is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico and Central America and has been widely introduced as an ornamental worldwide (Meira et al. 2012 [Ref 14]).

**Critical taxonomic note:** A persistent confusion exists in both older scientific literature and popular sources between *I. tricolor* and *I. violacea* L. (1753). Modern taxonomy recognizes these as **distinct accepted species** in different subgenera: *I. violacea* (the "beach moonflower" or "sea moonflower") is a pantropical littoral plant with white flowers that opens at night, primarily coastal in distribution, and is **not** among the 24+ *Ipomoea* species confirmed to contain ergoline alkaloids (Alencar et al. 2021 [Ref 27]). Albert Hofmann and early researchers used the name *I. violacea* for material that would now be identified as *I. tricolor*. This historical conflation persists in the forensic and toxicological literature (e.g., Nowak et al. 2016 [Ref 1]; Mercurio et al. 2017 [Ref 15]) and should be flagged for editorial attention.

**Also relevant:** *Turbina corymbosa* (L.) Raf. (formerly *Rivea corymbosa*) — the "ololiuqui" plant — is a closely related Convolvulaceae species with an overlapping alkaloid profile and documented Mesoamerican ritual use. Its Periglandula symbiont is *Periglandula turbinae*. It is sometimes discussed alongside *I. tricolor* in the morning glory context (Steiner & Leistner 2018 [Ref 2]).

**Family:** Convolvulaceae  
**Genus:** *Ipomoea* L.  
**Primary psychoactive species:** *Ipomoea tricolor* Cav.  
**Common cultivars:** 'Heavenly Blue', 'Flying Saucers', 'Pearly Gates'  
**Native range:** Tropical Americas; Mexico and Central America as primary origin  
**Cultivation status:** Widely cultivated as an ornamental worldwide; also naturalized in many regions  
**Number of *Ipomoea* species:** 600–700 (Meira et al. 2012 [Ref 14])

### Morphological Notes and Misidentification Risks

*Ipomoea tricolor* is a fast-growing annual vine with large funnel-shaped flowers, typically blue to purple with a white throat ('Heavenly Blue'), or white with purple streaks ('Flying Saucers'). Seeds are dark, roughly triangular, approximately 5mm.

Risk of misidentification: Multiple *Ipomoea* species are sold commercially as "morning glory." Nowak et al. (2016 [Ref 1]) found that only 3 of 5 lots of seeds purchased from different vendors contained any ergot alkaloids — confirming that species identification from seed packets alone is unreliable. Some commercial varieties lack ergot alkaloids entirely. Seed coat treatment with pesticides or fungicides (see Safety section) further complicates identification of psychoactive-grade material.

**Discrepancies with seed data in brief:** The brief contained no seed data. The primary taxonomic gap is the I. tricolor / I. violacea distinction described above.

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## Alkaloid / Cannabinoid Profile

### Primary Alkaloids and Fungal Origin

All ergot alkaloids in morning glories are produced not by the plant itself but by a **heritable fungal endosymbiont of the genus *Periglandula*** (Clavicipitaceae). In *I. tricolor*, this symbiont was recently described as ***Periglandula clandestina* sp. nov.** (Hazel & Panaccione 2025 [Ref 5]). In *T. corymbosa*, the symbiont is *P. turbinae*; in *I. asarifolia*, *P. ipomoeae* (Steiner & Leistner 2018 [Ref 2]).

The fungi are vertically transmitted through seeds and produce ergot alkaloids that are translocated via peltate glandular trichomes into host plant tissues (Steiner et al. 2015 [Ref 12]). Alkaloids are distributed throughout the entire plant — roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds — not solely in seeds (Durden et al. 2019 [Ref 13]; Hazel & Panaccione 2025 [Ref 5]).

Approximately 40% of morning glory species in tribe Ipomoeeae harbor ergot alkaloid-producing endosymbionts; individual species host no more than one metabolite-producing fungal endosymbiont (Quach et al. 2023 [Ref 6]).

### Alkaloid Composition

The principal alkaloids in *I. tricolor* seeds include (Nowak et al. 2016 [Ref 1]; Steiner & Leistner 2018 [Ref 2]):

| Alkaloid | Class | CID | MW | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Ergine (d-lysergic acid amide; LSA)** | Lysergamide | 442072 | 267.33 g/mol | Primary psychoactive; C₁₆H₁₇N₃O |
| **Isoergine (d-isolysergic acid amide)** | Lysergamide | 12309749 | 267.33 g/mol | Epimer of ergine; psychoactivity debated |
| **Ergonovine (ergometrine)** | Lysergamide | 443884 | 325.40 g/mol | Uterotonic; vasoactive; C₁₉H₂₃N₃O₂ |
| Chanoclavine | Clavine | — | — | Precursor to ergoline skeleton |
| Elymoclavine | Clavine | — | — | Minor constituent |
| Lysergol | Lysergol | — | — | Minor constituent |
| Chanoclavine acid | Clavine acid | — | — | First isolated from *I. violacea* (Yu et al. 2024 [Ref 21]) |

Chemical identity confirmed via PubChem: Ergine CID 442072, molecular formula C₁₆H₁₇N₃O, MW 267.33, InChIKey GENAHGKEFJLNJB-QMTHXVAHSA-N; Isoergine CID 12309749 (epimer); Ergonovine CID 443884, C₁₉H₂₃N₃O₂, MW 325.40.

### Quantified Concentrations

- **Nowak et al. 2016 [Ref 1]** (LC-Q-TOF-MS, Polish commercial sources): Only 3 of 5 seed lots contained ergot alkaloids. Concentrations varied significantly between individual seeds within the same batch — marked single-seed variability.
- **Mercurio et al. 2017 [Ref 15]** (GC/MS, Italian forensic analysis): Police-seized *I. violacea* [*tricolor*] seeds: **0.062% LSA** (300 mg ≈ 8 seeds). Commercial *I. rubrocerulea*: 0.011% LSA. Commercial "Ipomoea mix": approximately 10× lower than seized MG seeds. The calculation: 250 seeds at 0.062% concentration ≈ 6 mg LSA.
- **Beaulieu et al. 2015 [Ref 11]** (LC-MS/MS): Range across 8 Convolvulaceae species: 15.8–3,223.0 µg/g total ergot alkaloids.

### Preparation Effects on Alkaloid Ratios

No published studies specifically comparing solvent extraction methods for *I. tricolor* seeds and their effect on the ergine:isoergine ratio or clavine content were found. General principles from the Periglandula literature suggest alkaloid content is highest in seeds and youngest leaves (Steiner et al. 2015 [Ref 12]; Olaranont et al. 2022 [Ref 19]).

**Not-all-batches-contain-alkaloids:** A critical finding for harm reduction and database accuracy — a significant fraction of commercially available "morning glory" seeds do not contain ergot alkaloids, either because they are the wrong species, because the Periglandula endosymbiont was not inherited, or because commercial seed treatments affect alkaloid preservation (Nowak et al. 2016 [Ref 1]).

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## History & Ethnobotany

### First Scientific Description

*Ipomoea tricolor* was first formally described by Antonio José Cavanilles in 1794. The common name "morning glory" is broadly applied to species in Ipomoea and related genera. The psychoactive use of the related *Turbina corymbosa* (ololiuqui) was documented by the Spanish naturalist Francisco Hernández in the 16th century (circa 1651 publication) as a plant used by Aztec healers and diviners (Schultes & Farnsworth 1980 [Ref — see unverifiable sources]; Frost 2017 dissertation [OpenAlex W4247212320]).

### Traditional and Indigenous Use

*Turbina corymbosa* (ololiuqui; "round thing" in Nahuatl) was used in Mesoamerican ritual contexts by Aztec, Mazatec, Zapotec, and other indigenous groups. Seeds were ingested to induce visions in religious divination, healing ceremonies, and to communicate with supernatural forces. The use was suppressed by Spanish colonial authorities and the Catholic Church, with formal prohibitions documented from the 17th century. *Ipomoea tricolor* was used alongside or interchangeably with *T. corymbosa* in some indigenous contexts under the Nahuatl name "tlitlitzin" (Schultes & Hofmann, *Plants of the Gods*, 1979 [Ref 22]).

**Flag for human review:** Traditional-use accounts are primary evidence from ethnobotanical monographs (unverifiable books). Published primary literature confirming specific Aztec/Mesoamerican use of *I. tricolor* specifically (as opposed to *T. corymbosa*) was not found in peer-reviewed form during this search. Graziano et al. (2017 [Ref 3]) notes the traditional ritual use without citation to a primary source.

### Western Discovery and Scientific History

Richard Evans Schultes (Harvard ethnobotanist) began field documentation of ololiuqui in the 1930s–40s. In **1960**, **Albert Hofmann** — while working at Sandoz Laboratories — isolated and identified the active alkaloids in *Rivea corymbosa* seeds as ergine (d-lysergic acid amide) and related ergot compounds, presenting the findings at the International Conference on Natural Products in Sydney. This discovery initially provoked "a state of disbelief bordering on accusations of scientific fraud" from colleagues who suspected LSD contamination of samples, but the results were confirmed by other researchers (Hofmann, *LSD: My Problem Child*, 1980 [Ref 23]; summarized in Steiner & Leistner 2018 [Ref 2]).

In the **1960s**, recreational use of morning glory seeds as a "legal LSD substitute" was reported in the United States. This wave of use was documented in medical literature through 1968, then subsided. A documented **reemergence** occurred in Poland and elsewhere in the 2010s, with Juszczak & Swiergiel (2013 [Ref 8]) analyzing web-reported recreational use cases.

In **2011**, the Periglandula fungal genus was described by Steiner et al. to account for the true biological origin of the alkaloids — not the plant itself. In **2025**, Hazel & Panaccione identified the specific *I. tricolor* symbiont as *Periglandula clandestina* sp. nov. [Ref 5].

### Regulatory Timeline

- **1960s:** Following identification of ergot alkaloids, attention to potential abuse, but no immediate scheduling of the plant.
- **1970 (US):** Ergine (d-lysergic acid amide) listed as Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (moderate dependence potential; see Legal Status).
- **2005 (Louisiana):** State law restricts consumption but not ornamental use.
- **2011–2013:** European awareness of morning glory seeds as "legal highs" increases; Italian authorities classify as controlled narcotic.

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## Neuroscience & Mechanism

### Primary Receptor Targets

Ergine (LSA) is a semirigid ergoline compound closely related to LSD. Based on structural analogy and the broader indolealkylamine literature, its primary psychoactive mechanism is **5-HT₂A receptor partial agonism** — the same mechanism established for LSD, psilocin, and other classical serotonergic hallucinogens (Halberstadt & Geyer 2011 [Ref 17]; Schifano et al. 2023 [Ref 28]).

Additional receptor targets documented for ergoline compounds include:
- **5-HT₁A** agonism — contributes to sedative and anxiolytic effects
- **Dopamine D₂/D₃** agonism — dopaminergic component of ergoline pharmacology
- **Alpha-adrenergic** activity — vasoconstrictor effects, peripheral vasoconstriction

The relatively prominent **sedation and body load** associated with morning glory seed ingestion compared to LSD may reflect ergine's higher relative activity at 5-HT₁A and D₂ receptors relative to its 5-HT₂A efficacy (Graziano et al. 2017 [Ref 3]).

**No published binding affinity (Ki) data for ergine at individual receptor subtypes was found in peer-reviewed form during this search.** The pharmacology is extrapolated from LSD data and structural analogy. This is a significant gap.

### Cross-Tolerance

Cross-tolerance between ergine and LSD/psilocybin is expected on mechanistic grounds (5-HT₂A mediated; Halberstadt & Geyer 2011 [Ref 17]) but has not been directly studied in human trials.

### Pharmacokinetics

**No published human pharmacokinetic study for pure ergine was found.** The available data comes from forensic case analysis:

- Klinke et al. (2010 [Ref 10]): Blood concentrations in two Argyreia nervosa LSA ingestion cases: 4.9 µg/L (deceased, co-ingested THC and ethanol) and 1.8 µg/L (surviving witness). Urine: 1.0 mg/L (deceased) and 0.50 mg/L (survivor). Metabolites identified: **2-hydroxy-3-oxo-LSA** and **2-hydroxy-3-oxo-ergonovine** in urine.
- Half-life: No published data found for ergine specifically. Given LSD's half-life of ~3.5h and the observed 4–8h effect duration with morning glory seeds, ergine's half-life is likely similar.
- Onset after oral ingestion: 30–90 minutes (from case reports and reviews).

### CYP Enzyme Involvement

Yu (2008 [Ref 16]) documents **CYP2D6** as the principal enzyme in indolealkylamine metabolism including lysergic acid amides. CYP2D6 polymorphism (poor vs. ultra-rapid metabolizers) is identified as a risk factor for variable pharmacokinetics and potential toxicity. This has direct implications for dose unpredictability in the general population.

### Blood-Brain Barrier

CNS penetration confirmed by documented psychoactive effects in clinical and forensic cases. BBB penetration of ergoline compounds is well-established.

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## Effects & Dose by Preparation

### Oral (Whole Seeds)

This is the primary and essentially only documented preparation for morning glory.

**Dose estimates (oral seeds):**

| Preparation | Threshold | Common | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole seeds (oral) | ~50 seeds | 100–200 seeds | 250–400+ seeds |
| Approximate ergine dose | ~0.5–1 mg | 1–4 mg | 4–6+ mg |

**FLAG: These dose figures are NOT verified against a published controlled-dose human study.** They are derived from: (a) Mercurio et al. 2017 [Ref 15] calculation (250 seeds ≈ 6 mg LSA at 0.062% concentration); (b) user reports analyzed in Juszczak & Swiergiel 2013 [Ref 8]; and (c) older literature cited in Graziano et al. 2017 [Ref 3]. The 2 mg psychoactive threshold figure cited in some sources (e.g., the French Ghysel & Trotin 2004 review from OpenAlex) is from older secondary literature and was not independently verified.

**Onset:** 30–90 minutes (varies with gastric contents and preparation method)  
**Peak:** 2–4 hours  
**Duration:** 4–8 hours total  
**Residual effects:** Fatigue and lethargy may persist 12–24 hours

### Subjective Effects Profile (Oral Seeds)

From case reports (Kremer et al. 2012 [Ref 9]; Klinke et al. 2010 [Ref 10]), user report analysis (Juszczak & Swiergiel 2013 [Ref 8]), and pharmacological reviews (Graziano et al. 2017 [Ref 3]):

**Very common:**
- Nausea (often severe and prolonged, more than with LSD)
- Vomiting
- Lethargy, sedation ("body load")
- Visual distortions, altered color perception

**Common:**
- Altered thought patterns, cognitive changes
- Anxiety, confusion
- Restlessness transitioning to sedation

**At higher doses:**
- Geometric visual phenomena
- Altered time perception
- Cardiovascular dysregulation (tachycardia or bradycardia, blood pressure changes)
- Psychosis-like states (rare; Kremer et al. 2012 [Ref 9])

**Distinguishing features vs. LSD:** More pronounced sedation, stronger nausea, shorter and less visually intense experience reported by recreational users (Juszczak & Swiergiel 2013 [Ref 8]; Graziano et al. 2017 [Ref 3]).

### Effect Modifiers

- **Batch variability:** Critical — alkaloid content varies substantially between commercial batches (Nowak et al. 2016 [Ref 1]).
- **Pesticide treatment:** Commercial seeds often treated with pesticides/fungicides that produce additional toxic effects masking or worsening the experience (DrugWise [Ref 25]).
- **Interindividual variability:** Significant, even at body-weight-normalized doses (Kremer et al. 2012 [Ref 9]).
- **CYP2D6 polymorphism:** Poor metabolizers likely experience more prolonged/intense effects (Yu 2008 [Ref 16]).
- **Co-ingestion:** Cannabis is the most commonly co-ingested substance (Juszczak & Swiergiel 2013 [Ref 8]); additive psychedelic and adverse effects.

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## Safety & Toxicity

### LD50 and Toxicology

No LD50 data for ergine in humans was found in published literature. Animal LD50 data was not retrieved in this search. **Flag for editorial review.**

### Case Reports and Adverse Events

**Kremer et al. 2012 [Ref 9]** — Prospective controlled study of *Argyreia nervosa* seeds (Hawaiian Baby Woodrose, contains same ergoline alkaloids):
- 3 of 4 subjects experienced **severe adverse effects** including cardiovascular dysregulation (2 subjects) and a psychosis-like state (1 subject).
- All recovered completely within 9 hours.
- Interindividual variability was high despite identical body-weight-normalized dosing.
- This is among the strongest direct evidence for the unpredictability and risk of LSA-containing seeds.

**Klinke et al. 2010 [Ref 10]** — Two *A. nervosa* seed cases (forensic):
- One fatality: individual fell from a building during intoxication; co-ingested THC and ethanol; LSA blood concentration 4.9 µg/L.
- One survivor: LSA blood concentration 1.8 µg/L; described psychological reactions including suicidal ideation.
- Metabolites 2-hydroxy-3-oxo-LSA and 2-hydroxy-3-oxo-ergonovine confirmed in urine.

**Juszczak & Swiergiel 2013 [Ref 8]** — Polish web forum analysis (morning glory and related species):
- **Suicidal ideation** reported in 2 subjects who ingested *A. nervosa* and *Ipomoea* seeds.
- Common co-ingestion with cannabis and hashish.
- Some polydrug use with dextromethorphan also reported.
- Symptoms comparable to older medical case reports.

**Note:** The A. nervosa cases are directly relevant because A. nervosa contains the same ergoline alkaloids (ergine, isoergine, ergonovine) as I. tricolor. The risk profile is applicable.

### Pesticide-Treated Commercial Seeds

This is a **high-priority harm reduction concern**: commercially sold ornamental morning glory seeds are routinely treated with pesticide and fungicide coatings. The DrugWise advisory [Ref 25] warns explicitly of "liver and neurological damage" from these coatings. Seeds treated with toxic coatings — visually evident as brightly colored dust — present additional acute toxicity risk when ingested. There is no reliable way for a consumer to identify treated vs. untreated seeds. **This should be prominently flagged in any published article.**

### Psychological Risks

- Acute anxiety, panic, and confusion at higher doses or in susceptible individuals
- Psychosis-like states (documented in case reports)
- Suicidal ideation (documented in 2 recreational users)
- No published data on precipitation of psychosis in predisposed individuals, but the risk is analogous to other serotonergic psychedelics

### Herb–Drug Interactions

**Pharmacodynamic interactions:**
1. **Serotonergic agents (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, triptans):** Additive serotonergic activity; theoretical serotonin syndrome risk. The triptan–ergot interaction is particularly concerning given vasoconstriction of both drug classes (Rolan 2012 [Ref — PubMed 23018546], from search results, not yet in registry). **Flag:** No direct clinical case report of LSA + SSRI serotonin syndrome found; extrapolated from class effects.
2. **Vasoconstrictors:** Additive vasoconstriction. Ergot alkaloids including ergonovine have potent vasoconstrictor activity; combining with other vasoconstrictors increases ischemia risk.
3. **CNS depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids):** Additive CNS depression and respiratory depression risk. The fatal case involved co-ingestion of ethanol and THC.

**Pharmacokinetic interactions:**
- CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine, bupropion) may increase ergine plasma levels and effect duration/intensity (Yu 2008 [Ref 16]).

### Tolerance and Cross-Tolerance

No systematic study of tolerance development for ergine specifically. By analogy with LSD and other serotonergic psychedelics, rapid tachyphylaxis (tolerance developing within 3–4 days of repeated use) is expected, with cross-tolerance to LSD, psilocybin, and other 5-HT₂A agonists (Halberstadt & Geyer 2011 [Ref 17]).

### Dependence and Withdrawal

No specific dependence liability data for ergine/morning glory. Ergoline compounds as a class show **low physical dependence liability** — consistent with their low compulsive use patterns in recreational settings (Schifano et al. 2023 [Ref 28]). Ergotamine (a related ergot alkaloid used medicinally) can produce a physical dependence syndrome characterized primarily by a self-sustaining headache/medication cycle as withdrawal (Saper & Jones 1986 [Ref 18]). Whether ergine produces analogous dependence at recreational doses is unknown.

### Contaminant and Adulterant Risk

- **Commercial seed treatment:** See above (pesticides, fungicides).
- **Batch alkaloid variability:** 2 of 5 commercial lots had zero detectable ergot alkaloids (Nowak et al. 2016 [Ref 1]).
- **No published data on heavy metal contamination or mycotoxin co-contamination** specific to I. tricolor seeds as a recreational preparation.

### Contraindications and Vulnerable Populations

- **Cardiovascular disease:** Vasoconstriction risk (ergot alkaloid class effect)
- **Pregnancy:** Ergot alkaloids have potent uterotonic properties (ergonovine is a documented uterotonic); risk of uterine contraction and miscarriage
- **Personal or family history of psychosis:** Risk of acute psychotic episode (class extrapolation)
- **Concurrent serotonergic medications:** Serotonin toxicity risk
- **CYP2D6 poor metabolizers:** May experience prolonged and/or more intense effects at standard doses

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## Harm Reduction

### Key Harm Reduction Points

1. **Do not use commercially sold ornamental seeds:** Likely treated with pesticides/fungicides with genuine hepatotoxic and neurotoxic potential (DrugWise [Ref 25]).
2. **Batch variability is extreme:** Even within the same species, 40% of commercial lots may contain no ergot alkaloids (Nowak et al. 2016 [Ref 1]); others may contain much higher concentrations. Dose cannot be titrated.
3. **High nausea risk:** Prominent nausea and vomiting are very common; hydration and aspiration prevention are relevant.
4. **Do not combine with serotonergic drugs, vasoconstrictors, or alcohol:** Documented fatal interaction with ethanol (Klinke 2010 [Ref 10]).
5. **Suicidal ideation risk:** Documented at recreational doses; persons with depression or suicidal ideation history should not use.
6. **Emergency management:** Symptom-based supportive care; no specific antidote. Benzodiazepines for acute anxiety or psychotic symptoms. Avoid additional serotonergic agents (Caffrey & Lank 2017 [Ref 26]).

### Drug Testing Detection

**No published data found on immunoassay detection of ergine or morning glory seed alkaloids in standard urine drug screens.** The 2-hydroxy-3-oxo-LSA metabolite can be detected in urine by UPLC-ToF/MS (Klinke et al. 2010 [Ref 10]), but this is a specialized forensic test, not a standard point-of-care screen. LSA does not cross-react with standard LSD immunoassays in most panels (not peer-reviewed; common clinical knowledge, not cited in retrieved sources). **Flag: drug test detectability not verified in published sources.**

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## Legal Status

### United States

- **Federal:** *Ipomoea tricolor* plants and seeds are **legal to possess and sell**. The isolated compound **ergine (d-lysergic acid amide) is Schedule III** under the Controlled Substances Act — moderate abuse potential, lower physical dependence liability relative to Schedule I/II. Commercial extraction of LSA from seeds is explicitly illegal; home extraction exists in a legal gray area.
- **Arizona:** All *Ipomoea* species are banned as noxious weeds; possession may constitute a misdemeanor.
- **Louisiana:** Illegal "when intended for human consumption" (effective August 8, 2005); legal for aesthetic, landscaping, or decorative purposes.
- Source: Erowid legal status database [Ref 24] (last updated September 2016); confirm currency before publication.

### United Kingdom

Seeds are **legal to possess**. Extracted LSA is a **controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act**. Source: DrugWise [Ref 25]; Erowid [Ref 24].

### Canada

Plants and seeds are **legal**. Source: Erowid [Ref 24].

### European Union

Varies by member state:
- **Legal** (plants/seeds): Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and most other EU members.
- **Controlled (seeds as narcotics):** **Italy** classifies morning glory seeds as controlled narcotic drugs.
Source: Erowid [Ref 24].

### Australia

Plants and seeds are **legal to possess and grow**. However, **import and export** of *I. violacea*, *I. tricolor*, and *I. hederacea* plants including seeds is **prohibited under the Customs Act**. Most Australian states restrict consumption of LSA-containing seeds under state legislation. Source: Erowid [Ref 24].

### International Treaty Status

The *Ipomoea* plant and its seeds are not scheduled under any UN convention (1961 Single Convention, 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, or 1988 Convention). Individual countries may schedule the plant or its alkaloids independently. Ergine itself is not listed in UN schedules. Source: Erowid [Ref 24]; low confidence — **flag for verification with EMCDDA or UNODC.**

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## Clinical Trials

No registered clinical trials found on ClinicalTrials.gov for morning glory, *Ipomoea tricolor*, ergine, or lysergic acid amide.

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## Community Feedback Analysis

**No community feedback was submitted in Part A2 of the brief.**

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## Gaps & Flags

### Critical Gaps

1. **Dose data not peer-reviewed (FLAG — must not be presented as established):** All specific seed count and milligram dose figures for morning glory are derived from user reports (Juszczak 2013 [Ref 8]), forensic calculations (Mercurio 2017 [Ref 15]), and older secondary literature. No controlled human dose-finding study for *I. tricolor* seeds or pure ergine exists in the published literature.

2. **No published human pharmacokinetic study for ergine:** Tmax, Cmax, half-life, bioavailability — all absent from primary literature for this compound. The blood concentration data in Klinke et al. 2010 [Ref 10] provides forensic reference points but does not constitute a PK study.

3. **Receptor binding affinity data for ergine not found:** No Ki tables or competitive binding studies for ergine vs. 5-HT₂A, 5-HT₁A, or dopamine receptors were retrieved. Pharmacological mechanism extrapolated from LSD and structural analogy.

4. **No LD50 or formal toxicological data in humans or animals for ergine.**

5. **Drug test detectability unverified:** No published data on standard immunoassay cross-reactivity for LSA or its metabolites.

6. **Dependence liability of ergine specifically unstudied:** Extrapolated from class effects and ergotamine analogy.

7. **I. tricolor vs. I. violacea taxonomic confusion pervades source literature:** Many key sources (Nowak 2016, Mercurio 2017, Graziano 2017, Steiner 2018) use "I. violacea" to refer to material that is taxonomically I. tricolor. This should be flagged in the generated article.

### Herb–Drug Interaction Flags

8. **LSA + serotonergic agents:** Theoretical serotonin syndrome risk is mechanistically plausible (5-HT₂A/1A) and parallels the class effect documented for LSD. However, **no direct clinical case report of LSA + SSRI serotonin syndrome was found**. This interaction should be labeled "theoretical/pharmacodynamic basis" in the generated article — not as a confirmed clinical interaction.

9. **LSA + ergot alkaloids vasoconstriction:** The vasoconstriction risk from co-administration with triptans is extrapolated from the ergotamine + triptan interaction (Rolan 2012, PMID 23018546 — not added to registry as only tangentially relevant). Should be labeled "class-effect extrapolation."

### Traditional-Use Flag

10. **Traditional indigenous use section relies primarily on unverifiable ethnobotanical books** (Schultes & Hofmann; Hofmann's memoir) and one dissertation. No peer-reviewed primary archaeological or anthropological study specifically confirming *I. tricolor* use in Aztec rituals was found in this search. **Flag for human review before publication.**

### Legal Status Flags

11. **Erowid legal database last updated 2016:** All legal status claims should be verified against current regulatory sources before publication. International treaty status (no UN scheduling) should be confirmed with EMCDDA or UNODC.

12. **Australian state-level restrictions:** Stated in Erowid but specific state legislation not verified.

### Seed Data Gaps

13. **Cultivar-level alkaloid variation:** The range within I. tricolor cultivars (Heavenly Blue vs. Flying Saucers vs. Pearly Gates) has not been systematically published. Nowak 2016 [Ref 1] documents lot-to-lot variation but does not stratify by cultivar.

14. **Pesticide coating specifics:** The claim of pesticide-treated commercial seeds causing liver/neurological damage comes from the DrugWise harm reduction website [Ref 25], not a peer-reviewed study. The specific pesticides used are not identified in published sources. Flag as "web-retrieved; requires verification."