Optimization of Psilocybin Extraction from Psilocybe cubensis Mushrooms and Characterization of the Fungal Extract
Mateus Araújo Da Luz, Taynah Pereira Galdino, Lucas Matheus da S. Oliveira, H. Guedes, Anauara Silva, Victor I. Afonso, Suédina M. L. Silva, Antônio G. B. Lima, Marcus V. L. Fook, Maria C. M. Torres
Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society January 1, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.21577/0103-5053.20260049 via OpenAlex
Summary
The study optimized the extraction of psilocybin from Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, achieving a maximum yield of 50.03 mg of psilocybin per gram of extract using acidified ethanol at pH 2 and 25 °C. This yield is approximately 1% psilocybin and surpasses previous values in existing literature. Additionally, six compounds were identified, including psilocybin and psilocin, as well as four novel compounds not previously reported in this mushroom genus.
Study at a glance
| Design | factorial experiment |
|---|---|
| Population | Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms |
| Key finding | The optimal extraction conditions yielded a maximum of 50.03 mg of psilocybin per gram of extract. |
Abstract
Psilocybin is a molecule with significant potential for the treatment of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse. In this study, it was explored the extraction of psilocybin from Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms using a factorial design approach, along with the physicochemical and phytochemical characterization of the extracted material, aiming to optimize the process. The results indicate that the optimal extraction conditions were achieved using an acidified ethanol solvent (without water addition) at pH 2 and at temperature of 25 °C. The maximum yield obtained was 50.03 mg of psilocybin g-1 of extract (ca. 1% psilocybin), which exceeds the values reported in the literature for similar studies, demonstrating the efficiency of the proposed method. Through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, six compounds were annotated: the indole alkaloids psilocybin and psilocin, previously reported in the P. cubensis genus, and four additional compounds, sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, norvaline, tetronomycin and N-(tetradecanoyl)-sphinganine, which have not previously been reported in the Psilocybe genus.