Novel qNMR Method to Quantify Psilocybin and Psilocin in Psychedelic Mushrooms
ACS Omega November 10, 2025 Luisina Castelli Rodríguez, Guillermo Morera, Sandra Lupo et al. 1 citation
An optimized extraction protocol and a quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) spectroscopy method enable accurate, nondestructive quantification of the psychoactive tryptamines psilocybin and psilocin in dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. Using both 1H and 31P NMR, the method detects and measures both alkaloids simultaneously with high reproducibility. Analysis of user-provided and laboratory-grown samples reveals substantial variability in total tryptamine content and in the psilocybin-to-psilocin ratio, suggesting that storage conditions affect alkaloid stability. Compared to conventional chromatography, qNMR provides a rapid, calibration-free alternative for routine analysis, potentially supporting quality control in clinical and regulatory settings for psychedelic mushrooms.