LSA Seeds: Two Species, One Alkaloid Class

The LSA alkaloid — ergine — is an ergoline-class compound structurally related to other ergot alkaloids. In seeds, it occurs naturally alongside related compounds including lysergol and ergonovine. The two commercially available seed species differ in their alkaloid concentration and the part of the plant that contains the seeds.

Morning Glory (Ipomoea violacea) is a climbing vine commonly known as a garden plant, but certain varieties, particularly Heavenly Blue, Pearly Gates, and Flying Saucers, contain ergine in their seeds. The plant has a long history in Mazatec and other Mesoamerican traditions, where seeds were used in ritual contexts. Research in the 1960s identified ergine as the primary active compound.

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose (Argyreia nervosa) is a woody perennial vine native to India and introduced to Hawaii. Its large seeds contain higher ergine concentrations than Morning Glory seeds, making them a distinct product with different use characteristics. The seeds are also larger and fewer in number compared to Morning Glory seeds.

Botanical and Wholesale Context

Both species are sold as botanical seeds with ethnobotanical and collector interest. They are legally sold in the Netherlands. Storage in cool, dry, airtight conditions preserves seed viability and alkaloid integrity. Shelf life is typically 1–2 years under proper conditions.