Preview of Upcoming Honours Research Project—Angel’s Trumpet, Morning Glory, and Sage of the Diviners: An Ethnobotanical Survey of Psychoactive Perennials

Angel’s Trumpet, Morning Glory, and Sage of the Diviners: An Ethnobotanical Survey of Psychoactive Perennials

Project Summary

Psychoactive compounds have been used in social and therapeutic practices for centuries (Merlin, 2003). South America’s Sharanahua and Culina, for example, traditionally employ entheogenic decoctions for both spirituality and medicine (Rivier & Lidgren, 1972). In the 1960s, countercultural abuse of hallucinogenic drugs led to widespread prohibition of psychedelic substances (Pollan, 2018). Numerous studies have shown, however, that mind-altering chemicals, such as those of Psilocybe mushrooms, can alleviate mental illness: pharmacognostic solutions for addiction and depression (Johnson & Griffiths, 2017). Accordingly, renewed enthusiasm for hallucinogens has emerged among scientific circles, compelling governments to reconsider applicable restrictions (Dubinski, 2020).

The following project will focus on three species of formidable perennials: Brugmansia suaveolens, Ipomoea corymbosa, and Salvia divinorum. It will involve an ethnobotanical essay, which will emphasise the natural history, cultural significance, and psychoactive potency of each plant.

Background

LSD, psilocybin, and dimethyltryptamine receive considerable attention in psychedelic research (Pollan, 2018). Consequently, B. suaveolens, I. corymbosa, and S. divinorum constitute relatively unfamiliar topics; their alkaloids represent compounds of psychiatric potential, delivering meaningful opportunities for compelling investigations (dos Santos et al., 2014; Ingram, 1964; Jayawickreme et al., 2019).

Objectives

Conduct a literature review of the aformentioned topics, referencing both empirical and anecdotal evidence—the effort will comprise between 30 and 35 pages; it will elaborate on each plant’s ecology and shamanic value, concluding with interpretations of psychedelic chemistry and legislation.

Methodology

Peruse reputable books and academic journals; titles may include Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind, Daniel Pinchbeck’s Breaking Open the Head, and Dennis McKenna’s Ethnopharmacologic Search for Psychedelic Drugs. Complete an annotated bibliography before composing the primary paper.

Grade Components and Deadlines: Fall semester 2022

  • Annotated bibliography (10%): October 15

  • Oral presentation (25%): December 8

  • Essay of approximately 10,000 words (65%): December 20

Late submissions will receive a deduction penalty of 5% day⁻¹.

Outcomes

  • Better awareness of the environmental, neurochemical, and social influences of B. suaveolens, I. corymbosa, and S. divinorum

  • A sizeable composition, which may be of use for postgraduate applications

  • Well informed appreciation of each discussed perennial, accommodating an oral presentation of entheogenic relevance

Budget

The work may involve the purchase of fungal spores or I. corymbosa seeds: $TBD.

References

dos Santos, R. G., Crippa, J. A. S., Machado-de-Sousa, J. P., & Hallak, J. E. C. (2014). Salvinorin A and related compounds as therapeutic drugs for psychostimulant-related disorders. Current Drug Abuse Reviews, 7(2), 128–132. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874473708666150107122741

Dubinski, K. (2020, December 10). Some doctors, therapists get Health Canada permission to use magic mushrooms. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/some-doctors-therapists-get-health-canada-permission-to-use-magic-mushrooms-1.5834485

Ingram, A. L., Jr. (1964). Morning glory seed reaction. JAMA, 190(13), 1133–1134. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.1964.03070260045019

Jayawickreme, K. P., Janaka, K. V. C., & Subasinghe, S. A. S. P. (2019). Unknowing ingestion of Brugmansia suaveolens leaves presenting with signs of anticholinergic toxicity: a case report. J Med Case Reports, 13, Article 322. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-019-2250-1

Johnson, M. W., & Griffiths, R. R. (2017). Potential therapeutic effects of psilocybin. Neurotherapeutics, 17, 734–740. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-017-0542-y

Merlin, M. D. (2003). Archaeological evidence for the tradition of psychoactive plant use in the old world. Economic Botany, 57(3), 295–323. https://doi.org/10.1663/0013-0001(2003) 057[0295:AEFTTO]2.0.CO;2

Pisofrix. (2016). Flores de toé (Brugmansia suaveolens) [Photograph]. Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flores_de_To%C3%A9_(Brugmansia_suaveolens).jpg
This image is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Pollan, M. (2018). How to Change Your Mind. Penguin Press. Rivier, L., & Lindgren, J. -E. (1972). “Ayahuasca,” the South American hallucinogenic drink: An ethnobotanical and chemical investigation. Economic Botany, 26(2), 101–129. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4253328

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