Direct Quantitation of Psilocybin and Psilocin by One-Dimensional 1H and 31P qNMR in a revived Greek specimen of Psilocybe cyanescens
Planta Medica – December 01, 2022
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Psilocybin, a powerful secondary metabolite from specific fungi, is a prodrug that transforms into its active metabolite, psilocin, within the body. This unique biology is now central to numerous Psychedelics and Drug Studies, exploring its chemistry for treating conditions like Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder. The growing therapeutic interest, including Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, highlights a critical need for rigorous investigation and quantification of these substances, encompassing their chemical synthesis, alkaloids, and stereochemistry.
Abstract
The genus Psilocybe of Basidiomycota includes more than two hundred species of mushroom-forming fungi, which are widely known for the production of the secondary metabolite psilocybin, a prodrug of its in vivo dephosphorylated active metabolite psilocin [1]. Psilocybin is being currently used in numerous clinical trials including the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) [2], existential distress of terminally ill patients [3] and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) [4], creating the need of investigating and quantitating these substances.