Journal of ethnopharmacology
July 8, 1994
J Gartz, J W Allen, M D Merlin
34 citations
A newly documented psychoactive mushroom species, Psilocybe samuiensis, was collected in Koh Samui, Thailand and studied for its psychoactive alkaloid content. Laboratory cultivation on malt agar showed growth rates between those of related species. HPLC analysis of both wild and laboratory-grown fruit bodies revealed high concentrations of psilocybin and psilocin, with small amounts of baeocystin. Psilocybin levels ranged from 0.23% to 0.90% dry weight, with the highest concentrations in the caps. Cultured non-bluing mycelia also contained psilocybin (0.24% to 0.32% dry weight). The alkaloid profile resembled that of many other psychoactive fungi but differed markedly from Psilocybe semilanceata.
Journal of ethnopharmacology
January 1, 1992
J W Allen, M D Merlin
27 citations
Ethnomycological fieldwork in southern Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan, and other areas) documented the occurrence, harvesting, use, and marketing of psychoactive fungi among local Thai natives, foreign tourists, and German immigrants. First records of psychoactive Psilocybe subcubensis and Copelandia dung fungi in Thailand are presented; these fungi showed intense bluing reactions indicating psilocybin or psilocin. Seven collections of Psilocybe cubensis or subcubensis and four of Copelandia sp. were harvested. The fungi grow on decomposed manure of water buffalo and cattle, are cultivated clandestinely, and sold directly to tourists or used in restaurant dishes like omelettes and soups. Some omelettes are adulterated with artificial hallucinogens. Marketing of mushroom-themed items is also described.
Journal of ethnopharmacology
September 1, 1993
M D Merlin, J W Allen
18 citations
Several fungi species in the Hawaiian Islands contain psychoactive alkaloids. Five coprophilous (dung-inhabiting) and one non-coprophilous species are now known to have these compounds. Some are consumed recreationally. Previously described psychoactive species include Copelandia cyanescens, Copelandia tropicalis, Copelandia anomala, and Panaeolus subbalteatus. Three additional mind-altering fungi are reported for the first time from the archipelago: Copelandia bispora from O'ahu, Copelandia cambodginiensis from O'ahu, and Amanita muscaria from Kaua'i. Panaeolus goossensiae from O'ahu contains tryptamine compounds but not the psychoactive alkaloids psilocybin or psilocin.