Psilocybin Conspectus: Status, Production Methods, and Considerations
International journal of medicinal mushrooms – November 23, 2021
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A renewed focus on psilocybin, a psychedelic alkaloid from approximately 200 mushroom species, is driving significant advances in drug studies for mental health. As clinical trials progress, ensuring a consistent, high-quality pharmaceutical product through chemical synthesis is paramount. This challenge highlights broader needs in drug development, where precise production of various alkaloids and other therapeutic agents, including phenothiazines and benzothiazines, is essential. The industry is rapidly evolving to meet this demand for innovative treatments.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a psychoactive alkaloid that is produced naturally by approximately 200 species of mushrooms. The potential medical use of this molecule for the treatment of mental illness is gaining renewed momentum. As demand grows and clinical trials progress, appropriate methods for producing a quality pharmaceutical product are needed. This review highlights the methods currently available, such as the prominent synthetic method and its biosynthetic alternatives, as well as others on the near horizon. This article further seeks to discuss the rapid and evolving nature of the psilocybin industry in the 21st century.