Question

LSD is derived from
A. Morphine
B. Codein
C. Heroine
D. Ergot

Answer 1

Hint:-LSD or Lysergic acid diethylamide is commonly used as a recreational drug. It is the most potent hallucinogen known to science. It is odourless, colourless, and crystalline in form which can be powdered and diluted in water. It tastes bitter. The compound breaks down with exposure to ultraviolet light.

Complete step-by-step solution:-LSD was first discovered in 1938 by a Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann at the Sandoz Laboratories, Switzerland. He synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide from lysergic acid and gave it the lab name LSD-25. The compound Lysergic acid is isolated from the alkaloid derived from sclerotia of ergot fungus, Claviceps purpurea. These ergot fungi grow on rye plants.
The property of LSD as a potent hallucinogen was discovered much later in 1943 when Albert Hofmann himself accidentally ingested the alkaloid and experienced a strange sense of restlessness, dizziness and stimulated imagination for many hours. To confirm his experience and doubt of LSD contamination he intentionally took a limited dose of the alkaloid. He experienced again a variety of hallucinogenic events. He then confirmed that LSD has powerful effects on human beings. LSD interferes with the functioning of the neurotransmitter Serotonin in the brain. After its administration, it produces immediate psychological effects like visual hallucinations, illusions and a sense of euphoria. It may trigger panic attacks or extreme anxiety. It affects mood, behaviour and thoughts along with intensified perception of colours, tastes, smells, sounds, etc.
So, the correct answer is (D), Ergot

Note:- LSD is more accurately called a semisynthetic hallucinogen because it has both natural and synthetic components. Lysergic acid is a natural compound derived from a biological source of fungi whereas diethylamide is a synthetic ingredient that allows LSD to bond with protein molecules in the brain and help the body to process the drug. LSD can be detected using an Ehrlich's reagent and a Hofmann's reagent.