Extraction Yields of Psilocybin and Psilocin: A Short Review of Current Methods and Their Implications
Taynah P Galdino, Lucas C Oliveira, Mateus A Luz, Raquel A Jesus, Eunice P N Lima, Maria C M Torres, Katia Sivieri, Victor I Afonso, João M P Q Delgado, Antonio G B Lima, Suédina M L Silva, Marcus V L Fook
Pharmaceuticals March 7, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/ph18030380 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA systematic review of 25 studies on extracting and quantifying psilocybin and psilocin from Psilocybe mushrooms found that both the extraction method and mushroom species significantly affect compound yields. Ultrasonic bath extraction was the most efficient technique, especially for Psilocybe cyanescens and Psilocybe cubensis. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was the most common method for identifying and quantifying the compounds. Polar solvents were essential for effective solubilization, with temperature, solvent-to-material ratio, and extraction time being key parameters for optimizing yields. The review aims to support standardized protocols for ensuring compound quality and purity.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 25 |
| Population | Studies on extraction and quantification of psilocybin and psilocin from Psilocybe mushroom species |
| Keywords | Extraction methods Psychoactive compounds Yield optimization Extraction techniques Psychedelic compounds |
| Citations | 11 |
| Key finding | Ultrasonic bath extraction was the most efficient technique for extracting psilocybin and psilocin, particularly from Psilocybe cyanescens and Psilocybe cubensis, with polar solvents and parameters like temperature and extraction time critical for optimizing yields. |
Abstract
The growing body of evidence supporting the therapeutic efficacy of psychoactive substances, like psilocybin, has driven significant interest in recent decades due to their low toxicity and potential applications in treating various mental health disorders. However, producing pharmaceutical-grade psilocybin remains challenging, with three primary approaches: chemical synthesis, biosynthesis, and extraction from Psilocybe mushroom fruiting bodies. This systematic review evaluates the extraction and quantification methods for psilocybin and psilocin, aiming to contribute to the development of standardized protocols that ensure compound quality and purity. A total of 25 relevant studies were selected from an initial pool of 9152 publications indexed in platforms such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and PubMed. The findings indicate that both the extraction method and the choice of mushroom species significantly influence compound yields. Ultrasonic bath extraction was identified as the most efficient technique, particularly for species including Psilocybe cyanescens and Psilocybe cubensis. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was the most-used method for identifying and quantifying these compounds. Furthermore, polar solvents were critical for effective solubilization, with parameters such as temperature, solvent-to-material ratio, and extraction time playing key roles in optimizing yields. This review serves as a key scientific reference for advancing research, enhancing analytical precision, and ensuring reproducibility through the standardization of extraction and quantification protocols.