Ibotenic acid

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Ibotenic acid or (S)-2-amino-2-(3-hydroxyisoxazol-5-yl)acetic acid (also referred to as ibotenate) is a psychoactive substance which occurs naturally in Amanita muscaria and related species of mushrooms. It is an analogue of the neurotransmitter glutamate, and due to its structural similarity to this neurotransmitter, acts as a non-selective glutamate receptor agonist.

Ibotenic acid is a powerful neurotoxin, and has been employed as a "brain-lesioning agent" through cranial injections in scientific research conducted in rats. The same properties have not been studied in humans, however it could very well be a human neurotoxin as well.

Chemistry

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Ibotenic acid structure

Pharmacology

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Subjective effects

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The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. However, after the first hour symptoms begin to include confusion, euphoria, visual and auditory distortions, sensations of floating, and retrograde amnesia.

Symptoms are slightly different for children, typically beginning after 30–180 minutes. Dominant symptoms in children include ataxia, obtundation, and lethargy. Seizures are occasionally reported, however, more commonly with children.

References

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