Presence of Phenylethylamine in Hallucinogenic Psilocybe Mushroom: Possible Role in Adverse Reactions
Journal of Analytical Toxicology January 1, 1998 Olof Beck, Anders Helander, Christine Karlson-Stiber et al. 58 citations
Mushrooms containing psilocybin are often used for intentional intoxication, sometimes leading to adverse reactions with tachycardia that psilocybin alone does not explain. This study detected phenylethylamine in Psilocybe semilanceata using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and found its amount varies more than psilocybin. The highest phenylethylamine level, 146 micrograms per gram wet weight, came from mushrooms involved in a case where three young men were hospitalized. Comparing symptoms from magic mushroom intoxication with those from pure psilocybin or phenylethylamine suggests phenylethylamine may contribute to adverse reactions.