Occurrence of Psilocybin in Various Higher Fungi from Several European Countries
Planta Medica – October 01, 1985
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Out of over 100 European fungal species, a compelling finding reveals only 10 contained the hallucinogen psilocybin or related tryptamine derivatives. Using thin layer chemistry, this biological investigation for psychedelics and drug studies identified *Psilocybe semilanceata* and *Panaeolus subbalteatus* as the key sources. These alkaloid-rich species are the sole ones available in significant quantities in Middle and Northern Europe. Understanding their stereochemistry and potential for chemical synthesis is vital for fungal biology and applications, guiding future studies on these potent compounds.
Abstract
Using high performance liquid and thin-layer chromatographic methods more than 100 species of fungi from Europe belonging to 18 genera were analysed for the hallucinogenic compound psilocybin and for some related tryptamine derivatives. Psilocybin, psilocin and/or baeocystin were found in 3 PSILOCYBE 1 PANAEOLUS, 5 INOCYBES and one PLUTEUS. PSILOCYBE SEMILANCEATA and PANAEOLUS SUBBALTEATUS proved to be the only psilocybin-containing fungi that can be gathered in Middle and Northern Europe in sufficient quantities to permit abuse.