A Breakthrough in Mycology: Discovery of Periglandula clandestina, a Fungus with LSD-Like Properties
In a remarkable leap forward for pharmaceutical science and mycology, a team from West Virginia University has identified a previously unknown fungal species that holds significant promise for medical research. This discovery, led by microbiology student Corinne Hazel and her mentor, Professor Daniel Panaccione, uncovers a symbiotic fungus producing compounds chemically similar to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). These compounds, known for their therapeutic potential, especially in treating psychiatric disorders and addiction, have long enticed scientists seeking novel sources for drug development.
The newly identified fungus, named Periglandula clandestina, was found living within morning glory plants (Ipomoea tricolor), a species celebrated not only for its ornamental beauty but also for its biochemical complexity. Morning glories have been known to carry intricate chemical defenses, particularly ergot alkaloids, protective compounds produced by fungal symbionts. These alkaloids share structural similarities to the synthetic modifications found in LSD, a drug historically explored for its psychoactive and therapeutic properties. Hazel’s keen observation of subtle fuzz on the seed coats of morning glory plants led to the first hints that this elusive fungal partner was finally within reach of scientific characterization.
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Under the auspices of a WVU Davis College Student Enhancement Grant, Hazel undertook the preparation of fungal DNA isolates, initiating genome sequencing efforts that ultimately substantiated the presence of a new fungal species. The molecular data, now cataloged in public genomic repositories, validate the classification of Periglandula clandestina and lay the foundation for future biochemical and pharmacological studies. “Sequencing a genome of this caliber is no small feat,” commented Professor Panaccione. “It’s extraordinary that a student could shepherd a project from discovery to genetic characterization.”
The genus Periglandula is a group of endophytic fungi known for their mutualistic relationship with morning glories. These fungi inhabit specialized structures on the plant’s seeds and tissues, synthesizing ergot alkaloids that contribute to the plants’ defense mechanisms against herbivory and disease. Ergoline alkaloids, produced exclusively by fungi, have a storied history — notably in the 20th century, when Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann synthesized LSD by modifying similar natural products derived from ergot fungi found in rye. Hofmann speculated decades ago that fungi colonizing morning glories might be sources of these LSD-like compounds, but despite intensive research, the responsible fungal species remained unidentified—until now.
Periglandula clandestina’s efficiency in producing large quantities of ergot alkaloids positions it as a compelling candidate for drug development pipelines. Ergot alkaloids have diverse and potent biological activities, ranging from vasoconstrictive to neurotropic effects. While ergot derivatives have traditionally been used to manage migraines, uterine hemorrhaging, and Parkinson’s disease symptoms, their clinical application often comes with significant side effects. Contemporary research aims to harness these compounds’ beneficial pharmacodynamics while minimizing toxicity, an endeavor Periglandula clandestina may substantially accelerate.
The discovery holds further intrigue because it solves a decades-old mystery in ethnobotany and fungal biology: how morning glories attain their psychedelic properties. The high concentrations of lysergic acid derivatives found in these plants had long suggested fungal involvement, but the actual fungus remained “clandestine,” evading detection. Corinne Hazel’s meticulous lab work and innovative application of genomic tools now bring clarity to this biological enigma. “The name fits perfectly,” said Panaccione. “‘Clandestina’ reflects the fungus’s elusive nature and the achievement in finally identifying it.”
Beyond its biochemical significance, this finding highlights the value of student-led research and the integration of molecular biology with classical mycology and plant sciences. Hazel’s journey—from noticing faint fungal growth on seed coats to contributing to a peer-reviewed Mycologia publication—epitomizes the potential for talent and opportunity to revolutionize scientific understanding. Her ongoing investigations aim to refine culturing techniques for this slow-growing fungus, an important step toward large-scale biochemical extraction and analysis.
More broadly, the discovery invites questions about the diversity of Periglandula fungi among other morning glory species and their respective alkaloid profiles. The possibility of undiscovered fungal symbionts with unique alkaloid biosynthesis pathways could transform both agricultural biotechnology and pharmacology. Since ergot alkaloids can have toxic effects on humans and livestock in unregulated forms, understanding and harnessing fungal metabolism presents dual imperatives: enhancing medication safety profiles and mitigating risks in crop production.
The symbiotic relationship between morning glories and Periglandula clandestina exemplifies a sophisticated evolutionary mechanism. The fungus benefits from protected niches within the plant, while the host gains chemical defenses and potentially enhanced survival. This mutualism underscores the broader interactive complexity of plant-fungal ecosystems and their unexplored potential for natural product discovery.
As research progresses, Periglandula clandestina may play a pivotal role in the development of novel psychedelics and pharmaceuticals aimed at treating an array of psychiatric disorders including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction—areas where current therapeutic strategies remain limited. By delving into the fungus’s genetic blueprint and biochemical output, scientists hope to isolate compounds that maintain therapeutic efficacy with reduced adverse effects, a critical advancement amid growing interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies.
In summary, the identification and genomic characterization of Periglandula clandestina represent a landmark in fungal biology with promising implications for neuroscience and medicine. This discovery not only validates historical hypotheses about the origins of psychoactive compounds in morning glories but also opens a new frontier for biotechnological exploration of ergot alkaloids. Corinne Hazel’s groundbreaking contribution reflects the power of curiosity-driven research and may well inspire a renaissance in natural product drug discovery derived from plant-fungal symbioses.
Subject of Research: A newly discovered species of fungus, Periglandula clandestina, symbiotic with morning glory plants producing ergot alkaloids similar to LSD.
Article Title: A new species of Periglandula symbiotic with the morning glory Ipomoea tricolor
News Publication Date: 22-Apr-2025
Web References:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00275514.2025.2483634
References:
Hazel, C., & Panaccione, D. (2025). A new species of Periglandula symbiotic with the morning glory Ipomoea tricolor. Mycologia. DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2025.2483634
Image Credits: WVU Photo/Brian Persinger
Keywords: Drug studies, Pharmacology, Research programs, Drug research, Affective disorders, Psychiatric disorders, Mental health, Cognitive disorders, Depression, Substance related disorders, Drug addiction, Cocaine addiction, Alcoholism, Narcotics addiction, Withdrawal symptoms, Illicit drugs, Mycology
Tags: Corinne Hazel WVU studentDaniel Panaccione mentorergot alkaloids in mycologyfungal species with psychoactive propertiesLSD-like compounds in fungimorning glory plant symbiosisnovel drug development sourcesPeriglandula clandestina discoverypharmaceutical science breakthroughspsychiatric disorder treatmentstherapeutic potential of fungiWVU mycology research