Fungi Fiction: Analytical Investigation into the Church Of Psilomethoxin's Alleged Novel Compound Using UPLC-HRMS
OpenAlex – June 02, 2023
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Psilomethoxin, a novel tryptamine claimed by the Church of Psilomethoxin as their sacrament, was not detected in analyzed material samples. Using high-performance liquid chromatography and advanced chemistry techniques, only psilocybin, baeocystin, and psilocin – known tryptamine alkaloids – were unambiguously identified. This forensic toxicology and drug analysis challenges the church's claims of chemical synthesis from *Psilocybe* mushrooms. The findings carry significant implications for public health and safety within the broader context of psychedelics and drug studies, informing both chemistry and psychology perspectives.
Abstract
The Church of Psilomethoxin claims to produce a novel tryptamine by adding 5-MeO-DMT to the substrate of cultivated Psilocybe mushrooms, which is then biosynthesized into psilomethoxin, the church’s sacrament. In this study, we investigate the validity of this claim using comprehensive analytical techniques, namely ultra-performance liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS). Authentic reference standards for structurally related tryptamines were used for comparison. Our findings revealed no evidence to suggest that the compound psilomethoxin is present in samples of material that the church is offering to their members online. Psilocybin, baeocystin, and psilocin, were, however, unambiguously identified in the sample, suggesting that the claims regarding the biosynthesis of psilomethoxin may be misguided. The implications of these findings should be critically considered within the context of public health and safety