A review of psilocybin: chemistry, clinical uses and future research directions
Eliza Milliken, Peter Galettis, Jenny Martin
Australian Journal of Chemistry May 16, 2023 DOI: 10.1071/ch23010 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractClassic psychedelics like psilocybin, ketamine, and LSD activate 5HT2A serotonin receptors and produce individualized subjective effects. Public interest in psychedelic medicine is high, but clinical evidence remains limited. Psilocybin and psilocin are tryptophan-based alkaloids found in several mushroom genera. This review covers the current evidence for psilocybin as a clinical medicine, its chemistry, proposed therapeutic mechanism, and future research directions for psilocybin-based therapies.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | LSD Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Chemistry Pharmacology |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key finding | Psilocybin is a 5HT2A serotonin receptor agonist with potential clinical applications, but evidence for benefit still lags behind public interest. |
Abstract
Classic psychedelics such as psilocybin, ketamine and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are 5HT2A serotonin receptor agonists that produce individualised subjective affects. Today, public interest in psychedelic medicine has reached a fervour but the evidence for clinical benefit still lags. Psilocybin and psilocin are tryptophan based alkaloids found worldwide in mushrooms of the genera Psilocybe, Panaeolus, Conocybe, Gymnopilus, Stropharia,Pluteus and Panaeolina. This review addresses the current evidence base for psilocybin as a clinical medicine, the general chemistry and proposed mechanism of its therapeutic effect and future research directions for psilocybin based therapies.