A review of psilocybin: chemistry, clinical uses and future research directions
Australian Journal of Chemistry – May 16, 2023
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Public interest in psychedelics like Psilocybin and Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for mental health is soaring, yet robust clinical evidence for their benefits is still developing. These classic hallucinogens, functioning via specific serotonin receptor pharmacology, are being rigorously examined. Psilocybin, a tryptophan-based alkaloid found naturally, is a key focus. Current drug studies are evaluating its chemistry and proposed therapeutic mechanisms for Psychiatry. This review synthesizes the existing evidence base, guiding future chemical synthesis and psychological applications.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics such as psilocybin, ketamine and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are 5HT2A serotonin receptor agonists that produce individualised subjective affects. Today, public interest in psychedelic medicine has reached a fervour but the evidence for clinical benefit still lags. Psilocybin and psilocin are tryptophan based alkaloids found worldwide in mushrooms of the genera Psilocybe, Panaeolus, Conocybe, Gymnopilus, Stropharia,Pluteus and Panaeolina. This review addresses the current evidence base for psilocybin as a clinical medicine, the general chemistry and proposed mechanism of its therapeutic effect and future research directions for psilocybin based therapies.