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D-lysergic acid amide anim.gif
Systematic (IUPAC) name
Clinical data
Pregnancy cat. X [1]
Legal status Class A (UK) Schedule III (US)
Routes Oral, Intramuscular
Pharmacokinetic data
Metabolism hepatic
Excretion renal
CAS number 478-94-4 7pxY
ATC code None
PubChem CID 442072
ChemSpider 390611 7pxY
ChEBI CHEBI:4819 7pxY
ChEMBL CHEMBL227213 7pxY
Chemical data
Formula C16H17N3O 
Mol. mass 267.326 g/mol
 14pxY (what is this?)  (verify)

Ergine, also known as d-lysergic acid amide (LSA) and d-lysergamide, is an alkaloid of the ergoline family that occurs in various species of vines of the Convolvulaceae and some species of fungi. As the dominant alkaloid in the psychedelic seeds of Turbina corymbosa (ololiuhqui), Argyreia nervosa (Hawaiian baby woodrose) and Ipomoea tricolor (morning glories, tlitliltzin), it is often stated that ergine and/or isoergine (its epimer) is responsible for the psychedelic activity. However, this theory is debatable, as anecdotal reports suggest that the effects of synthetic LSA and iso-LSA are only slightly psychedelic, see Mixing the Kykeon below for a summary of human trials, and Chapter 17 and entry #26 of TiHKAL for further discussion.




Shamanic stories say Ipomoea purpurea seeds, when swallowed or chewed, may incite a mild trip where synesthesia occurs and eye imagery is enhanced.[3]

Since the psychedelic activity of LSA in the recent human study was weak and although LSA from Argyreia nervosa is often considered as natural exchange for LSD, LSA should not be regarded as LSD-like psychedelic drug. However, vegetative side effects and psychotropic effects may be triggered by serotonin or dopamine receptor subtypes.[4]

Legal status

As a precursor to LSD, ergine is a DEA schedule III drug in the United States, and is considered a Depressant.



Ergine is a component of the alkaloids contained in the Claviceps purpurea (Ergot) fungus which grows on the heads of infected rye grasses.

It is also found in the seeds of several varieties of morning glories in concentrations of approximately 10 µg per seed, as well as Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds, at a concentration of around 0.13% of dry weight.[6]

Known fatalities

There are not any known deaths associated directly with pharmacological causes of ergine, but rather due to self-harm, impaired judgement, and drug interactions. One known case involves suicide after ingestion of Morning Glory seeds.[7] Another instance is a death due to falling off of a building after ingestion of Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds and alcohol as well as the subsequent usage of cannabis.[8]

See also


  1. Erowid Morning Glory Basics,, retrieved 2012-02-03 
  2. Alexander Shulgin, "#26. LSD-25", TiHKAL,, retrieved 2012-02-03 
  3. Erowid Psychoactive Vaults,, retrieved 2012-02-03 
  4. Argyreia nervosa (Burm. f.): receptor profiling of lysergic acid amide and other potential psychedelic LSD-like compounds by computational and binding assay approaches. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Jul 9;148(2):492-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.04.044. Epub 2013 May 7
  5. Petroski RJ, Powell RG, Clay K (1992). "Alkaloids of Stipa robusta (sleepygrass) infected with an Acremonium endophyte". Nat. Toxins 1 (2): 84–88. PMID 1344912. doi:10.1002/nt.2620010205. 
  7. Cohen, Sidney (1964). "SUICIDE FOLLOWING MORNING GLORY SEED INGESTION". The American Journal of Psychiatry 120 (1). Retrieved 12 April 2013. 
  8. Klinke, Helene; Irene Breum Müller; Steffen Steffenrud; Rasmus Dahl-Sørensen (15 April 2010). "Two cases of lysergamide intoxication by ingestion of seeds from Hawaiian Baby Woodrose". Forensic Science International 197 (1): e1–e5. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2009.11.017. Retrieved 12 April 2013. 


External links

it:Acido lisergico
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