Indian Student Discovers Rare Psychedelic Fungus Missed by LSD Pioneer

Swift Summary

• A university student, Corinne Hazel, discovered the elusive fungus Periglandula clandestina on Mexican morning glory plants (Ipomoea tricolor), particularly in the “Heavenly Blue” variety.
• The fungus produces ergot alkaloids-chemicals linked to hallucinogenic effects similar to LSD. These chemicals were earlier identified by Albert Hofmann during his research in the 1930s.
• Historically, indigenous Mesoamerican cultures used I. tricolor for its psychoactive properties. Though, attempts to find the associated fungus had failed until this revelation.
• DNA sequencing confirmed that P. clandestina is efficient at producing ergot alkaloids and may play a protective role for morning glories against predators through a symbiotic relationship.
• Ergot alkaloids pose agricultural risks as they can contaminate food and livestock feed but are also useful in pharmaceuticals for conditions such as migraines.
• Researchers are exploring ways to cultivate the fungus while investigating its medicinal potential.

Image credit: WVU Photo/Brian Persinger
!Discovery image

Indian Opinion Analysis

This discovery could have significant implications globally,including India. Agriculture-one of India’s key economic sectors-faces challenges from fungal contaminants like ergot alkaloids that endanger crops and livestock feed quality. Research into fungi like P. clandestina might offer insights into mitigating these risks while potentially harnessing their medicinal properties.

India’s extensive biodiversity offers unexplored opportunities for discovering similar fungi or plants with psychoactive or pharmaceutical potential, akin to this breakthrough moment linked with Mexican morning glory species. Investments in microbiological studies and biotechnology initiatives aligned with indigenous knowledge systems could position India as a leader in bio-pharmaceutical innovation without compromising ecological balance or ethical standards.

Further reading: https://www.livescience.com/health/medicine-drugs/college-student-discovers-psychedelic-fungus-that-eluded-lsd-inventor