Convolvulaceae

Argyreia nervosa

The ergot alkaloid lysergic acid amide, which is structurally similar to the hallucinogen lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), is present in large amounts in Convolvulaceae, such as Argyreia nervosa (Hawaiian baby woodrose), Ipomoea violacea (morning glory), and Turbina corymbosa (ololiuhqui). Serum concentrations after ingestion of the seeds of Argyreia nervosa are in the low ng/ml range and are associated with severe adverse reactions, such as nausea, weakness, fatigue, tremor, and hypertension, and a psychosis-like state [ ]. The risks of adverse reactions to lysergic acid amide are highly variable in different individuals [ ] and severe nervous system toxicity can occur [ ], as can acute hypertensive encephalopathy [ ].

• A 15-year-old girl, who regularly used cannabis, took 480 mg of Argyreia nervosa seeking an LSD-like effect, and developed bilateral mydriasis, bradycardia, abdominal cramps and vomiting [ ]. There was also tetrahydrocannabinol in her urine. She recovered fully in less than 12 hours.

Plants that contain hallucinogenic drugs may be marketed online as “legal highs”. In a study of 39 websites, in which 1308 products were listed, Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds were one of the five most commonly advertised products [ ].