Ipomoea asarifolia, commonly known as the ginger-leaf morning-glory, is a species of plant in the family Convolvulaceae, belonging to the genus Ipomoea.
Chemistry, Toxicology, and Pharmacology
Ipomoea asarifolia exists in a symbiotic relationship with the fungus Periglandula ipomoeae, which biosynthesizes ergoline alkaloids such as D-lysergic acid α-hydroxyethylamide, as well as indole diterpene alkaloids.
Periglandula ipomoeae has been found on six different plant organs:
- Young leaves
- Mature leaves
- Flower buds
- Mature flowers
- Young seeds
- Mature seeds
The plant causes a tremorgenic syndrome if ingested by Capra hircus (domestic goats), although the exact cause remains unknown. This syndrome is thought to result from tremorgenic phytotoxins or mycotoxins.
A study analyzing dried samples of Ipomoea asarifolia reported the presence of swainsonine, though at a very low concentration — less than 0.001%.
References
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