Morning glory refers to over 1,000 species of flowering plants belonging to the family Convolvulaceae, recognized by their vining habit and striking trumpet-shaped flowers that typically unfurl in the morning. The species most commonly discussed for their psychoactive properties are Ipomoea tricolor and Ipomoea purpurea, which are widely cultivated as ornamental plants. The seeds of these species contain compounds that have attracted both historical and modern attention. This article explores the plant’s traditional applications, the specific chemical components responsible for its effects, and the safety considerations surrounding its use.
Traditional Uses Beyond Psychoactivity
The use of the Ipomoea genus in traditional medicine extends beyond the seeds and the plant’s mental effects. In various indigenous cultures, parts of the morning glory plant were employed for a range of physical ailments. For instance, the roots and leaves of several species were historically utilized for their purgative and laxative effects. Traditional Chinese medicine employed certain morning glory species for treating digestive issues like constipation and abdominal discomfort. Indigenous Central and South American practices used the seeds topically, often ground into a paste, as a sedative or analgesic for pain relief, including for conditions like gout and bone fractures.
The Primary Chemical Components and Their Effects
The attention given to morning glory seeds stems from the presence of ergoline alkaloids, most prominently Lysergic Acid Amide (LSA), also called ergine. LSA is concentrated primarily within the seeds of species like Ipomoea tricolor and is structurally related to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). The biosynthesis of LSA and other ergoline alkaloids is performed by a symbiotic endophytic fungus (Periglandula species) that lives inside the plant and is passed down through the seeds. These alkaloids exert their effects by interacting with the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, acting as a partial agonist or antagonist at several serotonin receptors (5-HT receptors). The concentration of LSA in the seeds can be highly variable, making the effects of ingestion unpredictable.
Reported Psychoactive and Mental Effects
The psychoactive properties of morning glory seeds were known to ancient cultures, such as the Aztecs and Mayans, who used the seeds in ritual and divinatory settings to induce altered states of consciousness. Modern reports describe subjective mental effects often characterized as milder than those of LSD, with a slower onset and longer duration. Users frequently report altered perception, including visual and auditory changes, along with mood shifts such as euphoria. Some individuals describe enhanced introspection or a feeling of lethargy and sedation. The perceived benefits often include emotional release and deep personal insight, but these effects are frequently intertwined with pronounced physical discomfort.
Significant Safety Concerns and Toxicity
The ingestion of morning glory seeds carries notable health risks, primarily due to the presence of LSA and other ergoline alkaloids. The most common physical side effects are severe gastrointestinal distress, including significant nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More serious physiological effects involve the cardiovascular system, such as elevated heart rate (tachycardia) and increased blood pressure (hypertension), alongside muscle spasms and vasoconstriction. A major concern is the potential presence of toxic coatings on commercially purchased seeds, which are frequently treated with pesticides or fungicides like methylmercury to discourage ingestion. These chemical coatings introduce severe toxicity and compound the risks posed by the natural alkaloids, while LSA ingestion also poses psychological risks including anxiety, paranoia, and the potential for a challenging experience.