Chemical Constituents of Psilocybe Sensu Stricto Mushrooms. A 1958 – 2025 Comprehensive Review
Aylín R. Tabal-Robles, J. Martin Torres-Valencia, Leticia Romero-Bautista, María Eva González-Trujano, Laura Guzmán-Dávalos, Virginia Ramírez-Cruz, Susana Rojas-Lima
Journal of the Mexican Chemical Society July 7, 2026 DOI: 10.29356/jmcs.v70i1.2551 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA review of chemical studies on Psilocybe mushrooms, covering publications from 1958 to 2025, identified at least 50 different metabolites across 32 species. Most metabolites were alkaloids with indole structures, responsible for psychotropic properties, but amino acids, terpenoids, and saccharides were also reported. The genus comprises about 165 hallucinogenic species, yet information on non-alkaloid metabolites remains scarce.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Psilocybe mushroom species |
| Keywords | Chemical constituents Indole test Genus Lauraceae Chemistry |
| Key finding | At least 50 different metabolites have been identified in 32 Psilocybe species, with most being indole alkaloids, though amino acids, terpenoids, and saccharides are also present. |
Abstract
The genus Psilocybe currently comprises approximately 165 species that are hallucinogenic. Chemical studies on them have revealed the presence of alkaloids with indole and β-carboline structures, which are responsible for their psychotropic properties. However, scarce information has been reported on other classes of metabolites present in Psilocybe mushrooms. The objective of this review was to integrate chemical information published on the species of mushroom recognized in this genus, specifically that including characterized metabolites. The search for this information spanned publications from 1958 to 2025 and identified at least 50 different metabolites in 32 species. Overall, most metabolites were alkaloids with an indole structure; however, amino acids, terpenoids, and saccharides were also mentioned. Resumen. Actualmente, el género Psilocybe comprende aproximadamente 165 especies alucinógenas. Los estudios químicos sobre ellas han revelado la presencia de alcaloides con estructura de indol y β-carbolina, los cuales son responsables de sus propiedades psicotrópicas. Sin embargo, poca información se ha reportado sobre otras clases de metabolitos presentes en los hongos del género Psilocybe. El objetivo de esta revisión fue integrar la información química publicada sobre las especies de hongos reconocidas en este género, específicamente aquella que incluye la caracterización de metabolitos. La búsqueda de esta información abarcó publicaciones de 1958 a 2025 y reveló la identificación de al menos 50 metabolitos diferentes en 32 especies. En general, la mayoría de los metabolitos fueron alcaloides con estructuras de indol, pero también se incluyeron aminoácidos, terpenoides y sacáridos.