Ehrlich Reagent

The Ehrlich reagent is a chemical solution used to test for the presence of indole alkaloids, particularly tryptamines like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT. It was first developed by Paul Ehrlich in the late 19th century. When a sample containing indole alkaloids is mixed with the Ehrlich reagent, it produces a characteristic purple color. The color change occurs due to a reaction between the indole ring in the alkaloids and the reagent. Though the Ehrlich reagent is often used by individuals testing their own drugs, it is not a foolproof method for identifying substances and should not be relied upon as the only means of determining the contents of a sample. In addition, the use of testing kits is not a substitute for seeking medical attention if one experiences adverse effects from drug use.