Drug Testing and Analysis
February 2, 2011
Takuji Shoda, Kiyoshi Fukuhara, Yukihiro Goda et al.
8 citations
An enzyme-assisted method produced psilocin glucuronide (PCG), a metabolite excreted in the urine of magic mushroom users. Using Aroclor 1254 pretreated rat liver microsomes, psilocin and the cofactor UDPGA were incubated for 20 hours. HPLC purification yielded 3.6 mg of PCG (19% yield). The structure was confirmed by mass spectrometry and NMR. The milligram amounts produced will enable direct identification and quantification of PCG in the urine of magic mushroom users.
Drug Testing and Analysis
March 21, 2022
Wenya Zhai, Le Li, Junbo Zhao et al.
5 citations
4-Acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4-AcO-DMT, psilacetin) is a synthetic psychedelic that may act as a precursor to psilocin, but its metabolism was poorly understood. Incubating 4-AcO-DMT with pooled human liver microsomes produced 15 metabolites: 12 from phase I and 3 from phase II reactions. Transformations included hydrolysis, hydroxylation, N-demethylation, oxidation, and glucuronic acid conjugation. The hydrolysis product was the most abundant. For forensic detection of 4-AcO-DMT use, the beta-hydroxylation metabolite (M2-1) is recommended as a biomarker. These findings may help predict in vivo metabolism and assist drug testing.
Drug Testing and Analysis
August 24, 2020
Simon D. Brandt, Pierce V. Kavanagh, Folker Westphal et al.
5 citations
N-ethyl-N-cyclopropyl lysergamide (ECPLA) produces LSD-like behavioral effects in mice and may act as a hallucinogen in humans. ECPLA is an isomer of the recreational drug LSZ. Several analytical methods—mass spectrometry, gas and liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and GC condensed-phase infrared spectroscopy—can differentiate ECPLA from LSZ. Key mass spectral differences include ion abundances at m/z 196, 207/208, 98, and 41. Electrospray ionization spectra show lysergamide-related ions, and LSZ (but not ECPLA) produces product ions at m/z 267 and 98 under the conditions used. These data support forensic and clinical detection of ECPLA.
Drug Testing and Analysis
September 1, 2011
Simon D. Brandt
5 citations
This special issue presents a variety of techniques and topics in illicit drug research, ranging from classic drugs like cocaine to internet drugs and new psychoactive substances. Raman spectroscopy is reviewed for non-destructive analysis of street drugs, including detection on fibers, fingerprints, banknotes, and in body fluids, as well as for detecting cocaine concealed in rum bottles down to 6% w/v solutions. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3 Tesla can detect cocaine in wine bottles at 5 mM levels. Synthetic cathinones and other online-accessible drugs like GHB are reviewed for clinical effects and harm reduction. Internet products often have misleading labels; six out of seven products analyzed showed incorrect labeling.
Drug Testing and Analysis
March 9, 2024
Marianne Skov‐Skov Bergh, Inger Lise Bogen, Katharina Elisabeth Grafinger et al.
2 citations
N-Ethyl-N-propyltryptamine (EPT), 4-hydroxy-N-ethyl-N-propyltryptamine (4-OH-EPT), and 5-methoxy-N-ethyl-N-propyltryptamine (5-MeO-EPT) are tryptamine-class new psychoactive substances sold online. Their metabolism was previously undescribed. Incubating these compounds with pooled human liver microsomes for up to 4 hours and analyzing with high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry revealed major metabolic pathways. EPT was primarily metabolized by hydroxylation, N-dealkylation, and carbonylation. 4-OH-EPT metabolism involved double bond formation, N-dealkylation, hydroxylation, and carbonylation. 5-MeO-EPT underwent O-demethylation, hydroxylation, and N-dealkylation. Unique metabolites for 4-OH-EPT were identified in a human postmortem blood sample from a suspected EPT or 4-OH-EPT intoxication, demonstrating the markers' forensic utility.
Drug Testing and Analysis
October 17, 2022
Ryan Gallagher, Maddison G. Mclaughlin, Karen Blakey et al.
2 citations
A novel analogue of mescaline, N,N-diformylmescaline, was identified in two unrelated drug seizures in Australia. A three-step synthesis from 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenylacetic acid was developed, but purification was difficult because the compound degrades in solution. Analysis by LC–MS showed instability under acidic and basic conditions, breaking down first to N-formylmescaline and then to mescaline when dissolved in hydrochloric acid for an extended period, suggesting it may act as a prodrug for mescaline. The paper presents GC–MS, NMR, and FTIR data for the seized compound, along with synthesis details and stability studies.
Drug Testing and Analysis
March 15, 2026
Simon K. Wellenberg, Lea Wagmann, Matthias D. Kroesen et al.
Amino acid prodrugs of MDMA—MDMA-tryptophan, MDMA-lysine, and MDMA-glycine—are cleaved to release MDMA in zebrafish embryos, human liver S9 fraction, and human urine after microdosing, but not in human blood under the tested conditions. MDMA-tryptophan follows a stepwise bioactivation pathway involving hydroxylation and N-dealkylation before amide cleavage, unlike the other prodrugs which convert directly. Known MDMA metabolites also form in zebrafish and liver systems. Unique urine screening targets appear only for MDMA-tryptophan; biomarkers for the other prodrugs are MDMA and its known metabolites. Further studies of human pharmacokinetic profiles are needed.
Drug Testing and Analysis
February 18, 2026
Rie Tanaka, Maiko Kawamura, Michiho Ito et al.
Two new lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) analogs, 1Bz-LSD and 1-TMSBz-LSD, were identified in tablet and paper sheet products sold in Japan. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-photodiode array-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography with hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance, the structures of the compounds were determined. 1Bz-LSD was found in a tablet product, and 1-TMSBz-LSD was found in a paper sheet product. This is the first report of these specific analogs being detected in such products in Japan.
Drug Testing and Analysis
February 17, 2026
Yuki Azuma, Akiko Asada, Misa Tanaka et al.
A newly emerged LSD analog, 1-benzoyl-LSD (1Bz-LSD), is rapidly metabolized in human liver microsomes, producing 15 metabolites including LSD itself. One deethylated metabolite remains detectable for a prolonged period, making it a promising target for confirming consumption. This metabolite was chemically synthesized and identified as 1-benzoyl-lysergic acid ethylamide (1Bz-LAE). The synthesis provides a crucial analytical foundation for investigating 1Bz-LSD use, with 1Bz-LAE expected to serve as a valuable marker for detection.