Quantitative LC-QToF-MS Analysis of Mycochemicals in Amanita muscaria, Psilocybe spp. (Agaricomycetes), and Consumer Products.

A validated LC-QToF-MS method was developed to assess the quality and potential adulteration of Amanita muscaria and Psilocybe cubensis-based products. Analysis of 27 commercial products—including gummies, chocolates, capsules, tablets, and powders—revealed inconsistencies: 11 of 14 gummies claiming to contain Amanita extracts lacked ibotenic acid, containing only muscimol and muscarine; one gummy labeled "no psilocybin" contained psilocin and psilocybin; and five products contained none of the target compounds. Psilocin and psilocybin levels in Psilocybe samples ranged from 0.001-1.6% and 9.9-19.3%, respectively, while Amanita muscaria samples showed ibotenic acid, muscimol, and muscarine at 0.03-0.04%, 0.01-0.02%, and 0.01-0.02%. The findings underscore the need for standardized product specifications.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The psychedelic mushroom market has expanded rapidly due to changing regulations and increasing consumer demand. Product diversity now extends beyond traditional capsules and tablets to include gummies, powders, and confectionery items, complicating quality control efforts. To assess the quality and potential adulteration of Amanita musca-ria and Psilocybe cubensis-based products, a validated LC-QToF-MS method was developed. This method focused on five characteristic compounds: ibotenic acid (IBA), muscimol (MUS), muscarine, psilocin, and psilocybin that are constituents of A. muscaria and P. cubensis mushrooms. Method validation demonstrated satisfactory linearity, precision, and recovery of all five analytes. Psilocin and psilocybin levels ranged from 0.001-1.6% and 9.9-19.3%, respectively, in five Psilocybe species samples, while IBA, MUS, and muscarine levels in two samples of Amanita muscaria were 0.03-0.04%, 0.01- 0.02%, and 0.01-0.02%, respectively. By comparing commercial products to authentic samples, we evaluated the overall quality of 27 across various formulations. Our analysis included 14 gummies, three chocolates, six capsules, one tablet, and three powders. Although 11 of 14 gummies claimed to contain Amanita mushroom extracts, only MUS and muscarine were detected, without IBA. Interestingly, one gummy product indicated the presence of psilocin and psilocybin despite the labeling that claimed, "no psilocybin." Eleven products contained psilocin and psilocybin as anticipated, but five products lacked all target compounds. These findings underscore the need for standardized product specifications. Nevertheless, the established LC-QToF-MS approach could serve as a valuable tool for evaluating the quality of magic mushroom-based consumer products.