Hawaiian Baby Woodrose

Ergine, molecular formula C16H17N3O, is the amide of D-lysergic acid, and commonly known as LSA or LA-111. It is an ergoline alkaloid that occurs in various species of the Convolvulaceae, and in some species of fungus. Rivea corymbosa (ololiuqui), Argyreia nervosa (Hawaiian baby woodrose) and Ipomoea violacea (tlitliltzin) are three major sources of this alkaloid. 

One species of morning-glory that is stronger than others is the Hawaiian Baby Woodrose, a creeping plant.that covers many Hawaiian beaches and whose flowers are often dried and sold by florists. A dozen of the large, hard seeds will produce a strong intoxication, hut they, too, frequently make people feel siek. 

Figure 8-2 Argyreia Nervosa, or "Hawaiian Baby Woodrose."... 

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose Argyreia nervosa) also called woolly wood roses are beautiful vines that grow in Hawaii, Mexico, and the southern parts of Texas, California and Florida. The plant is believed to originate from India. The Hindus used the roots in the treatment of inflammatory disease. The alkaloid constituents of seeds range from a low of 0.5% to a high of 0.9%. Ergine and isoergine make up approximately 54% of the total alkaloids. 

K. W. Crawford, The identification of lysergic acid amide in baby hawaiian woodrose by mass spectrometry, J. Forens. Sci., 75 588 (1970). 

Comparing the structure of LSD-25 to that of the two most active ingredients in related botanicals—the baby Hawaiian woodrose and certain morning glories to be discussed at the end of this chapter—you ll see that these sources of LSD-like effects have different chemical structures. 

LSD (left), and the two major psychoactive agents (middle and right) produced in baby Hawaiian woodroses and some morning glories. 

Of these plants, the one that has been most used as a psychedelic is the baby Hawaiian woodrose. This actually isn t a rose, but rather a woody climbing vine or liana with silvery foliage and violet flowers. When dried, the leaves turn tan on the outside and a light, warm saddle brown on the inside. The pod has the color of caramel. This beautiful arrangement has resulted in its use in floral displays and corsages. Native to India, it is now cultivated throughout the world s tropical regions. 

---