The common Morning Glory (Ipomoea genus) is a flowering plant known for its beautiful, trumpet-shaped blooms. While these flowers are popular in gardens, the seeds should not be consumed by humans. Consumption is dangerous due to naturally occurring compounds that can cause serious adverse effects. This potential for toxicity is present across various species of the plant.
The General Safety Warning
Consuming Morning Glory seeds, even those from common ornamental varieties, carries an immediate risk of acute physical distress. The initial reaction is often severe gastrointestinal upset, including intense nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These physical symptoms are caused by compounds the body recognizes as toxic. This reaction is the body’s attempt to expel the material and frequently occurs before any psychological effects begin. Even species with lower concentrations of psychoactive substances can induce this severe physical illness, which can be debilitating.
Identifying the Primary Toxic Compounds
The most concerning chemical found in Morning Glory seeds is Lysergic Acid Amide (LSA). This naturally occurring ergoline alkaloid is chemically related to LSD, and its presence is why some people consume the seeds for their mind-altering properties. LSA primarily acts on the brain’s serotonin receptors, leading to changes in perception, thought patterns, and mood. Psychological effects can include altered perception, confusion, dizziness, and a sedating, dreamlike state. LSA also contributes to physical discomfort, such as vasoconstriction (the narrowing of blood vessels), leading to symptoms like muscle cramps and bodily heaviness.
The Critical Difference Between Varieties
Not all Morning Glory varieties contain the same concentration of LSA. Species like Ipomoea tricolor, specifically cultivars such as ‘Heavenly Blue,’ are known to contain the highest levels of ergoline alkaloids. Other common garden varieties, such as Ipomoea purpurea, may also contain LSA, though often in lower quantities. A serious danger comes from the commercial preparation of seeds sold for gardening purposes. These seeds are frequently coated with fungicides and other pesticides to protect them from mold and pests. These commercial treatments contain additional, highly toxic chemicals, such as methylmercury, which are not meant for human consumption and can cause severe poisoning if ingested.
Legal Status and Seeking Medical Help
The legal standing of Morning Glory seeds is generally ambiguous, as they are widely and legally sold in gardening stores and online as ornamental plants. The seeds themselves are not typically classified as a controlled substance in most jurisdictions. However, the extraction or concentration of the LSA alkaloid is often illegal, as LSA is considered a precursor to LSD and is regulated in many places. Due to the risk of poisoning from the natural compounds and commercial coatings, any ingestion resulting in adverse effects requires immediate professional medical attention. If a person, especially a child, has consumed Morning Glory seeds, contact a regional Poison Control center immediately for guidance. Emergency services should be contacted for severe symptoms, such as significant confusion, difficulty breathing, or intense, prolonged vomiting.