A new liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method measures psilocybin and psilocin in the mushroom species Psilocybe cubensis. Five strains—Blue Meanie, Creeper, B-Plus, Texas Yellow, and Thai Cubensis—were analyzed. The method detects psilocybin at 300 ng/g and psilocin at 30 ng/g of mushroom, with accuracy and precision errors under 6%. From most to least potent, average total psilocybin and psilocin concentrations were 1.36% (Creeper), 1.221% (Blue Meanie), 1.134% (B+), 1.103% (Texas Yellow), and 0.879% (Thai Cubensis) by weight. Results were comparable between two laboratories, and homogenizing multiple mushrooms together improved precision.
A 96-well plate extraction method called parallel artificial liquid membrane extraction (PALME) can be made greener by replacing organic solvents with an essential oil. Fourteen essential oils were tested; the blend smart & sassy gave the best recovery for multiple drugs of abuse in plasma, including amphetamines, synthetic cathinones, and designer benzodiazepines. After optimization, the method achieved a linear range of 1-100 ng/mL, accuracy within ±16.4%, and limits of detection between 0.1 and 0.75 ng/mL. The technique eliminated hazardous organic solvents, provided effective sample clean-up, and met international validation guidelines, offering a sustainable tool for toxicological analysis.