Psilocybin was isolated from the mushroom Psilocybe argentipes and its presence was determined in specimens of several mushroom species. The work details the chemical isolation and analytical methods used to identify and quantify the alkaloid in these fungi.
From a hallucinogenic mushroom, Gymnopilus spectabilis, two compounds were isolated and characterized: cerevisterol and a new acetylenic compound, 4,6-decadiyne-1,3,8-triol. Also found were ergosterol, ergosteryl peroxide, and choline. Psilocybin and related psychoactive compounds were not detected in these collections, although psilocybin has been found in other Japanese mushrooms.