Taxonomic Identification of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms Seized on the Illegal Market Using a DNA-Based Approach and LC/MS-MS Determination of Psilocybin and Psilocin
Journal of Analytical & Bioanalytical Techniques January 1, 2015 Gabriella Roda, Stefania Arioli, Veniero Gambaro et al. 4 citations
Mushrooms suspected of containing hallucinogenic compounds were identified using DNA analysis, which proved useful for forensic identification when the material was too degraded for morphological examination. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) method was optimized to quantify psilocybin and psilocin in seized samples, using a synthesized internal standard (5-hydroxy-N,N-diethyltryptamine). Psilocybin concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 1.4% and psilocin from 1.3 to 2.5% (w/w), consistent with prior reports. Psilocin was more concentrated in the cap and the lower stem, while psilocybin was higher in the cap and upper stem.