LSA
LSA is a naturally occurring psychedelic alkaloid of the lysergamide family, found primarily in morning glory and Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds.12 Structurally related to LSD3, it was first assayed for human activity by Albert Hofmann in 1947. Its traditional use by indigenous Mexican peoples dates back to Aztec times, as documented by Richard Schultes in 1941.4 LSA is reported to produce mental effects resembling LSD3, though with notably diminished visual activity.
Contents
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Duration
Subjective Effects
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Physical
Cognitive
The head space of LSA is described by many as extremely relaxing yet lucid and clear headed in its style when compared to other commonly used psychedelics such as LSD or Psilocin. Although it is primarily sedating, it is accompanied by fast paced bursts of thought.
Visual
Distortions
Visual distortions and alterations are significantly more simplistic than open eye distortions found with other psychedelics.
Geometry
The geometry of LSA can be described through its variations as simplistic in complexity, abstract in form, synthetic in style, multicoloured in scheme, soft in edges, equal in rounded and angular corners, small in size, slow in speed, smooth in motion, immersive in depth and consistent in intensity.
Hallucinatory States
LSA produces a full range of high level hallucinatory states in a fashion that is very consistent when taken in large doses.
Auditory
The auditory effects of LSA are common in their occurrence and exhibit a full range of effects.
Reagent Testing
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Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
LSA (ergine) is an ergoline alkaloid structurally related to LSD3, with approximately one-tenth the potency.5 Synthetic LSA in isolation has been characterized as only mildly psychedelic6, suggesting that the more pronounced psychoactivity of natural seed sources such as morning glory and Hawaiian baby woodrose may result from a mixture of co-occurring lysergamides rather than LSA alone. LSA is also known to produce vasoconstriction.7
Pharmacokinetics
Following intramuscular administration, LSA's effects have been reported to resolve within approximately five hours. No detailed data on metabolic pathways, enzymes involved, or bioavailability is currently characterized in the available literature.3
Dangerous
Highest riskThese combinations are considered extremely harmful and should always be avoided. Reactions to these drugs taken in combination are highly unpredictable and have a potential to cause death.
Unsafe
AvoidThere is considerable risk of physical harm when taking these combinations, they should be avoided where possible.
Caution
Use cautionThese combinations are not usually physically harmful, but may produce undesirable effects, such as physical discomfort or overstimulation. Extreme use may cause physical health issues. Synergistic effects may be unpredictable. Care should be taken when choosing to use this combination.
Tolerance
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
Extremely LowLSA is non-habit-forming3 and the desire to use it typically decreases with use. It is most often self-regulating.
Toxicity
Vasoconstriction7 can cause reduced blood flow to muscles, particularly noticeable as soreness in the legs; these effects may build up with repeated use over short periods.
History & Culture
Traditional Use in the Americas
The use of LSA-containing morning glory seeds by indigenous peoples of Mexico and Latin America dates back to pre-Columbian times.6 Seeds from Ipomoea corymbosa (known as ololiuhqui) and Ipomoea tricolor (tlitliltzin) were employed in shamanic rituals across the…
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Legality
By Country
References
Source Pages
Citations
- Nowak J, Wozniakowicz M, Klepacki P, Sowa A, & Koscielniak P. (2016). Identification and determination of ergot alkaloids in Morning Glory cultivars. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-016-9322-51
- Hylin JW, & Watson DP. (1965). Ergoline Alkaloids in Tropical Wood Roses. 148(3669), 499-500. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.148.3669.49912
- Castro PSCC, Leopoldo K, Pedro MOP, & et al.. (2025). Lysergic Acid Amide (LSA), an LSD Analog: Systematic Review of Pharmacological Effects, Adverse Outcomes, and Therapeutic Potentials. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy1304009812345
- Hofmann A. (1970). The Discovery of LSD and Subsequent Investigations on Naturally Occurring Hallucinogens. J.B. Lippincott Company. https://www.psychedelic-library.org/hofmann.htm1
- Jadhav et al.. (2017). A Brief Review of Chemistry and Pharmacology of Lysergic Acid Derivatives. 10(12), 4415-4422. https://doi.org/10.5958/0974-360x.2017.00814.91
- Albert Hofmann. (1971). Teonanácatl and Ololiuqui, two ancient magic drugs of Mexico. 23(1), 3-14. https://www.erowid.org/plants/mushrooms/references/other/1971_hofmann_bulletin-narcotics.shtml12345
- Oliver JW, Abney LK, Strickland JR, & Linnabary RD. (1993). Vasoconstriction in bovine vasculature induced by the tall fescue alkaloid lysergamide. 71(10), 2708-2713. https://doi.org/10.2527/1993.71102708x12
- Passie T, Halpern JH, Stichtenoth DO, Emrich HM, & Hintzen A. (2008). The Pharmacology of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide: A Review. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 14(4), 295-314. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1755-5949.2008.00059.x12
- Nichols, D.E.. (2016). Psychedelics. 68(2), 264-355. https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.115.0114781
- Chen, W., & de Wit-Bos, L.. (2020). Risk assessment of Argyreia nervosa. National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). https://doi.org/10.21945/rivm-2019-021012
- Asha Jyoti Bharati, & Yogendra Kumar Bansal. (2014). Phytochemical investigation of natural and in vitro raised Vṛddhadāruka plants. 34(2), 80-84. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4389397/123
- (n.d.). Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Schedule 2 (Controlled Drugs). legislation.gov.uk. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/38/schedule/21
Further Reading
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