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Mycology: Mystery Fungus Containing LSD

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 15:03:35 GMT
Mycology: Mystery Fungus Containing LSD

A Decades-Long Mycological Mystery Solved: The Elusive Fungus Behind Morning Glory's Psychedelic Power

For nearly a century, a tantalizing mystery has haunted the fields of mycology and chemistry: the source of the psychedelic compounds in morning glory seeds. These beautiful, vining flowers have been used in Mesoamerican spiritual rituals for centuries, their seeds known to induce a powerful, mind-altering experience. The Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann, the man who first synthesized and discovered the potent effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), was also intrigued by morning glories. He identified psychoactive compounds within them called lysergic acid amides, chemicals strikingly similar to those found in the ergot fungus (Claviceps purpurea) from which LSD is derived. This led Hofmann to hypothesize that a hidden fungus, a close relative of ergot, must be living in symbiosis with the morning glory plants, producing these potent alkaloids. Yet, for decades, the fungus itself remained a ghost, its existence only hinted at by the plant's chemistry.

That was until a breakthrough discovery by a dedicated student at West Virginia University.

The Discovery That Unlocked a Fungal Enigma

Corinne Hazel, an environmental microbiology major, was working in the lab of Professor Daniel Panaccione, studying how morning glory plants transmit protective ergot alkaloids. While examining the seed coats of a Mexican morning glory variety called 'Heavenly Blue' (Ipomoea tricolor), Hazel noticed a faint, fuzzy growth. This unassuming fuzz turned out to be the elusive fungus that scientists, including Hofmann himself, had spent years searching for.

Through meticulous microscopic analysis and DNA sequencing, Hazel and Panaccione confirmed they had found a new species. They named it Periglandula clandestina, a fitting name as "clandestina" refers to its hidden, secret nature that allowed it to evade discovery for so long. The fungus lives deep within the plant's tissues, particularly in its seed coats, making it incredibly difficult to spot. The discovery, published in the journal Mycologia, was a landmark moment, finally providing a physical identity to the chemical mystery.

A Symbiotic Secret to Survival

The relationship between Periglandula clandestina and the morning glory is a classic example of symbiosis. The fungus produces high concentrations of ergot alkaloids, which are toxic and act as a powerful defense mechanism for the plant, deterring animals and insects from eating it. In return, the plant provides the fungus with a safe home and essential nutrients. This symbiotic partnership is so effective that the ergot alkaloids can be found throughout the entire plant, even in the roots where the fungus itself is not present.

This discovery has also shed light on how widespread these fungal partners might be. Psychedelic byproducts of this fungal symbiosis have been detected in a quarter of the 200 morning glory species sampled from herbarium collections, suggesting that this unique relationship is a significant, yet previously unseen, feature of the plant's biology.

From Ancient Rituals to Modern Medicine

The psychoactive compounds produced by P. clandestina are not LSD itself, but rather lysergic acid derivatives, which are natural precursors. LSD is a semi-synthetic compound, meaning it is synthesized in a lab from lysergic acid, which is derived from ergot fungi. The ergot fungus, Claviceps purpurea, has a long and storied history with humanity. It grows on rye and other grains and, when unknowingly consumed in contaminated bread, can cause a painful and sometimes deadly illness known as ergotism, which is characterized by convulsions, gangrene, and hallucinations.

Despite their toxicity, ergot alkaloids have also been the source of valuable pharmaceuticals. Controlled doses have been used for everything from treating migraines and dementia to stopping hemorrhaging after childbirth. The discovery of Periglandula clandestina opens up a new and exciting chapter in this field. Researchers have found that this newly identified fungus is highly efficient at producing large quantities of ergot alkaloids.

This efficiency makes P. clandestina a subject of immense interest for pharmaceutical development. By studying its genetic pathways for producing these compounds, scientists may be able to engineer new methods for producing valuable medicines more effectively. Furthermore, understanding how to modify these potent chemicals could lead to new treatments for a range of conditions, including depression, PTSD, and addiction, potentially with fewer side effects than current medications.

The Wider World of Psychedelic Fungi

Periglandula clandestina joins a fascinating and diverse kingdom of fungi that produce psychoactive compounds. The most well-known of these are the "magic mushrooms" of the genus Psilocybe. These fungi produce psilocybin and psilocin, compounds that are structurally similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin and can induce profound changes in perception and consciousness. Like the morning glory fungus, psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of use in indigenous spiritual and healing practices.

Recent scientific research has renewed interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, with studies suggesting it could be effective in treating depression, anxiety, and addiction. The study of these psychoactive fungi is a rapidly growing field. Researchers are discovering new species, like Psilocybe ochraceocentrata in Africa, and sequencing the genomes of known species to understand how they evolved the ability to produce these unique compounds.

A Future Forged in Fungi

The discovery of Periglandula clandestina is more than just the solution to an old mystery. It is a testament to the hidden biodiversity all around us and the incredible chemical capabilities of the fungal kingdom. This once-hidden organism, brought to light by a curious student, not only deepens our understanding of the natural world but also holds the potential to inspire a new generation of medicines. It serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most profound secrets are waiting to be discovered in the most unexpected of places, even in the fuzzy coating of a simple flower seed.

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