Production Options for Psilocybin: Making of the Magic
Chemistry - A European Journal – July 16, 2018
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen from "magic mushrooms," shows remarkable promise as a therapeutic for depression and anxiety, transforming its role in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. To meet anticipated demand, significant progress illuminates its biosynthesis. This enables efficient enzymatic in vitro and heterologous in vivo production, complementing existing Chemical synthesis of alkaloids. Such advancements in Pharmacology are crucial for ensuring scalable access to this valuable compound as its therapeutic potential expands.
Abstract
Abstract The fungal genus Psilocybe and other genera comprise numerous mushroom species that biosynthesize psilocybin (4‐phosphoryloxy‐ N , N ‐dimethyltryptamine). It represents the prodrug to its dephosphorylated psychotropic analogue, psilocin. The colloquial term “magic mushrooms” for these fungi alludes to their hallucinogenic effects and to their use as recreational drugs. However, clinical trials have recognized psilocybin as a valuable candidate to be developed into a medication against depression and anxiety. We here highlight its recently elucidated biosynthesis, the concurrently developed concept of enzymatic in vitro and heterologous in vivo production, along with previous synthetic routes. The prospect of psilocybin as a promising therapeutic may entail an increased demand, which can be met by biotechnological production. Therefore, we also briefly touch on psilocybin's therapeutic relevance and pharmacology.