Psychedelic drugs can change perceptions, change belief systems, and radically alter states of consciousness. While modern research is rapidly re-introducing substances such as psilocybin and LSD, nature still provides many psychoactive compounds that remain poorly understood. One such substance that has yet to be placed under the microscope is LSA.
LSA, or d-lysergic acid amide, is a psychedelic substance that is structurally similar to LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide). However, unlike LSD, it does not need to be synthesized as it occurs naturally. LSA is found in the seeds of morning glory, a group of over 1,000 species of flowering plants.
One species of morning glory, Ipomoea corymbosa, is a climbing vine native to much of Central and South America. The seeds are called Ololiuqui in Nahuatl and were used by both the Mayans and the Aztecs to induce a trance state during ceremonies. LSA is also found in much higher concentrations in the Hawaiian Young Tree Rose, another climbing vine native to India.
Due to their structural similarity, the subjective effects of LSA are similar to those of its better known chemical counterpart, LSD. Like other psychedelics, when taken in high enough doses, LSA can produce spiritual experiences that are both mystical and profound - which is most likely the reason morning glory seeds were consumed by the indigenous cultures of South and Central America. Moreover, users may experience distortions in their vision, including brightness and color changes, a sense of insight, and an uplifting mood. However, it is important to note that the effects of LSA can vary greatly depending on the mood, dosage, setting in which the user takes it, and the amount taken.
However, despite their structural similarities, there are some key differences between LSA and LSD. The latter can often produce an energetic and physically stimulating state, while the former can produce a sleepy and sedated state. Albert Hofmann, the first person in the West to discover both connections, found that LSA causes "a tired, sleepy state with an inability to keep one's thoughts clear."
Structural differences between compounds also point to differences in potential. LSD is known to be strong at very low doses, while LSA produces less intense effects compared to microgram for microgram.
Since LSA occurs naturally in the seeds of plants such as morning glory, users often chew the seeds to extract the psychoactive product. This can lead to unpleasant physiological effects, as there are other compounds that affect the body. These unpleasant effects may include nausea, vomiting, and vasoconstriction.
Because these effects can distract from the deeper experience of the trip, users often attempt to extract the LSA from the seeds to minimize the "body burden" from taking morning glory seeds.
There has been little formal research into the potential therapeutic effects of LSA, with much of the psychedelic research focusing on substances such as psilocybin, ayahuasca, and LSD. However, Andrew Sewell et al at Harvard Medical School investigated whether LSA could alleviate complaints of cluster headaches in patients.
Cluster headaches are very serious - this condition includes bouts of incredibly painful headaches. Women who suffer from cluster headaches sometimes describe them as worse than childbirth. There is currently no recommended treatment for cluster headaches, with traditional medicine focusing on pain relief. However, Sewell and his colleagues were keen to find out if LSA could be an effective treatment.
The authors interviewed 66 patients who suffered from cluster headaches and took seeds containing LSA as self-medication. 43% of patients reported that LSA could stop a cluster headache attack. Currently, no approved medication is able to stop these headache attacks.
All information is presented for informational purposes only and does not call for action!
Comments 0