Presence of Phenylethylamine in Hallucinogenic Psilocybe Mushroom: Possible Role in Adverse Reactions

Mushrooms containing psilocybin are often used for intentional intoxication, sometimes leading to adverse reactions with tachycardia that psilocybin alone does not explain. This study detected phenylethylamine in Psilocybe semilanceata using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and found its amount varies more than psilocybin. The highest phenylethylamine level, 146 micrograms per gram wet weight, came from mushrooms involved in a case where three young men were hospitalized. Comparing symptoms from magic mushroom intoxication with those from pure psilocybin or phenylethylamine suggests phenylethylamine may contribute to adverse reactions.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The use of mushrooms containing the hallucinogenic substance psilocybin for intentional intoxication is relatively common. Occasionally, this results in adverse reactions with typical tachycardia that is not evidently caused by psilocybin. This study demonstrates the presence of phenylethylamine in the species Psilocybe semilanceata using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and shows that the amount of this substance may vary much more than that of psilocybin. The highest amount of phenylethylamine (146 microg/g wet weight) was observed in mushrooms from a case of three young men hospitalized because of adverse reactions. Comparison of the symptoms observed in clinical cases of magic mushroom intoxication with those after intake of pure psilocybin or phenylethylamine suggests that phenylethylamine might have a role in the development of adverse reactions to Psilocybe mushroom intake.