Species identification and chemical analysis of psychoactive fungi in the Hawaiian islands.
Journal of ethnopharmacology – September 01, 1993
Source: PubMed
Summary
Six fungi species from the Hawaiian Islands are recognized for their psychoactive properties, with five coprophilous varieties like Copelandia cyanescens and Panaeolus subbalteatus being consumed recreationally. Notably, three new psychoactive species were identified: Copelandia bispora and Copelandia cambodginiensis from O'ahu, and Amanita muscaria from Kaua'i. Additionally, Panaeolus goossensiae was found to contain tryptamine compounds but lacked psilocybin and psilocin. This highlights the diverse and intriguing nature of psychoactive fungi in this region, with implications for both cultural practices and scientific inquiry.
Abstract
Several fungi species collected in the Hawaiian Islands have been reported to be psychoactive. Previous chemical analyses together with the present study indicate that 5 coprophilous and one non-coprophilous species occurring in the islands are now known to contain psychoactive alkaloids. At least some of these species are consumed in the Hawaiian Islands, as well as elsewhere, for non-traditional, recreational purposes. These include Copelandia cyanescens (Berk. et Br.) Singer, Copelandia tropicalis (Ola'h) Singer and Weeks (syn. Panaeolus tropicalis Ola'h), Copelandia anomala Murrill, and Panaeolus subbalteatus (Berk. and Br.) Sacc., which have already been described from the Hawaiian Islands. Three more mind-altering fungi and one non-psychoactive species are reported from this archipelago for the first time. These psychoactive fungi include Copelandia bispora (Malençon et Bertault) Singer and Weeks from O'ahu, Copelandia cambodginiensis (Ola'h et Heim) Singer and Weeks from O'ahu, and Amanita muscaria (L.) Hooker from Kaua'i. Panaeolus goossensiae Beeli identified from O'ahu contains tryptamine compounds; however, the psychoactive alkaloids psilocybin and psilocin were not found in this dung species.