Fungal Hallucinogens: Chemistry, Synthesis, Behavior, Toxicity and Detection Methods in Forensic Perspective

Certain mushroom species contain the indole alkaloids psilocybin and psilocin, which have psychedelic properties and can be identified by blue bruising. These compounds are synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan and resemble serotonin, acting as agonists for 5-HT2A receptors. Intoxication may cause hallucinations, tachycardia, dilated pupils, and dysuria. Psilocin is metabolized to psilocin-o-glucuronide and excreted in urine within 6–8 hours. The alkaloids can be analyzed using Ehrlich, Marquis, and Mandelin reagents. This review briefly reports on chromatographic analysis and provides an overview of psychoactive alkaloids in certain mushroom species.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Certain species of the mushrooms contain the Indole Alkaloids such as Psilocybin and Psilocin which exhibit the psychedelic property. These types of mushrooms can be identified by their unique property known as the blue bruising. These alkaloid compounds may cause the hallucinations and other symptoms. The psilocybin and Psilocin are synthesized from the amino acid Tryptophan and resemble the structure of the hormone Serotonin. They also act as an agonist for the 5-HT2A receptors. Intoxication of these compounds can lead to excitation of the nerves which can eventually cause the hallucination, tachycardia, dilated pupils and dysuria in certain cases which may lead to adverse effects. The metabolic product of the Psilocin is psilocin-o-glucuronide which is excreted in the urine within 6-8 hours of ingestion. Psilocybin and psilocin can be analyzed by preliminary color tests with Ehrlich reagent, Marquis reagentand Mandelin’s reagent. In this review, brief reports are presented about the chromatographic analysis of these compounds. This articlealso discusses the overview of the psychoactive alkaloids present in certain species of mushrooms