Argyreia nervosa (Burm. f.): Receptor profiling of lysergic acid amide and other potential psychedelic LSD-like compounds by computational and binding assay approaches
Journal of Ethnopharmacology May 8, 2013 Alexander Paulke, Christian Kremer, Cora Wunder et al. 31 citations
Lysergic acid amide (LSA) from Argyreia nervosa seeds, often considered a natural substitute for LSD, shows weak psychedelic activity and should not be regarded as LSD-like. Computer models predicted LSA has highest affinity for α1A and α1B receptors, with clear affinity for several serotonin and dopamine receptors. In lab tests, LSA had lower binding affinities than LSD for all tested receptor subtypes, but showed clear affinity for 5-HT1A, 5-HT2, and α2 receptors. Other ergotalkaloids in the plant also prefer serotonin and dopamine receptors. Vegetative and psychotropic effects may arise from serotonin or dopamine receptor activation, but the psychedelic effect is weak.