Chemical Constituents of Psilocybe Sensu Stricto Mushrooms. A 1958 – 2025 Comprehensive Review
Aylín R. Tabal-robles, J. Martin Torres-valencia, Leticia Romero-Bautista, María Eva González-Trujano, Laura Guzmán-Dávalos, Virginia Ramírez-Cruz, Susana Rojas-lima
Journal of the Mexican Chemical Society July 7, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.29356/jmcs.v70i1.2551 via OpenAlex
Summary
The review integrates chemical information on the genus Psilocybe, which includes around 165 hallucinogenic mushroom species. It identified at least 50 different metabolites across 32 species, primarily focusing on alkaloids with indole structures, but also noting the presence of amino acids, terpenoids, and saccharides. This highlights the diversity of chemical constituents in these mushrooms beyond just the well-known psychotropic alkaloids.
Study at a glance
| Design | review |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 32 |
| Population | species of mushrooms in the genus Psilocybe |
| Key finding | At least 50 different metabolites were identified in 32 species of Psilocybe mushrooms, with most being alkaloids that have an indole structure. |
Abstract
The genus Psilocybe currently comprises approximately 165 species that are hallucinogenic. Chemical studies on them have revealed the presence of alkaloids with indole and β-carboline structures, which are responsible for their psychotropic properties. However, scarce information has been reported on other classes of metabolites present in Psilocybe mushrooms. The objective of this review was to integrate chemical information published on the species of mushroom recognized in this genus, specifically that including characterized metabolites. The search for this information spanned publications from 1958 to 2025 and identified at least 50 different metabolites in 32 species. Overall, most metabolites were alkaloids with an indole structure; however, amino acids, terpenoids, and saccharides were also mentioned. Resumen. Actualmente, el género Psilocybe comprende aproximadamente 165 especies alucinógenas. Los estudios químicos sobre ellas han revelado la presencia de alcaloides con estructura de indol y β-carbolina, los cuales son responsables de sus propiedades psicotrópicas. Sin embargo, poca información se ha reportado sobre otras clases de metabolitos presentes en los hongos del género Psilocybe. El objetivo de esta revisión fue integrar la información química publicada sobre las especies de hongos reconocidas en este género, específicamente aquella que incluye la caracterización de metabolitos. La búsqueda de esta información abarcó publicaciones de 1958 a 2025 y reveló la identificación de al menos 50 metabolitos diferentes en 32 especies. En general, la mayoría de los metabolitos fueron alcaloides con estructuras de indol, pero también se incluyeron aminoácidos, terpenoides y sacáridos.