Presence of Phenylethylamine in Hallucinogenic Psilocybe Mushroom: Possible Role in Adverse Reactions
Journal of Analytical Toxicology – January 01, 1998
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Unexpectedly, adverse reactions to hallucinogenic psilocybin mushrooms may stem from more than just psilocybin. Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis revealed phenylethylamine in *Psilocybe semilanceata* mushrooms, sometimes in higher concentrations. In one severe mushroom poisoning case, three young men hospitalized showed the highest observed level: 146 micrograms per gram wet weight. This chemistry suggests phenylethylamine, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, plays a significant role in adverse psychological responses, offering new insights for Psychedelics and Drug Studies beyond psilocybin's known effects.
Abstract
The use of mushrooms containing the hallucinogenic substance psilocybin for intentional intoxication is relatively common. Occasionally, this results in adverse reactions with typical tachycardia that is not evidently caused by psilocybin. This study demonstrates the presence of phenylethylamine in the species Psilocybe semilanceata using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and shows that the amount of this substance may vary much more than that of psilocybin. The highest amount of phenylethylamine (146 microg/g wet weight) was observed in mushrooms from a case of three young men hospitalized because of adverse reactions. Comparison of the symptoms observed in clinical cases of magic mushroom intoxication with those after intake of pure psilocybin or phenylethylamine suggests that phenylethylamine might have a role in the development of adverse reactions to Psilocybe mushroom intake.