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A Review of Synthetic Access to Therapeutic Compounds Extracted from Psilocybe

Summary

Scientists have discovered that magic mushrooms contain compounds called psilocybin and psilocin that show promise in treating depression and other psychiatric conditions. However, extracting enough of these compounds from mushrooms is difficult, so chemists have developed multiple ways to synthesize them in laboratories. This review examines different chemical and biological methods for producing these therapeutic compounds, from traditional synthesis techniques to modern approaches using special catalysts and enzymes, making these medicines more accessible for clinical research.

Background

Psilocybe mushrooms contain psychedelic compounds with therapeutic potential for various central nervous system pathologies. However, obtaining and purifying sufficient quantities from fungi for biological studies is difficult, necessitating the development of synthetic routes. Recent clinical trials have shown favorable results for treating treatment-resistant depression and other psychiatric conditions.

Objective

This review comprehensively examines various synthetic routes for obtaining psilocybin, psilocin, and related tryptamines from Psilocybe mushrooms. The focus encompasses classic historical syntheses, modern metallo-catalyzed coupling methods, and biocatalytic approaches for accessing these therapeutic compounds.

Results

Several efficient synthetic pathways are now available for psilocybin production, with yields ranging from 46.9% to 99.9% purity depending on method. Metallo-catalyzed approaches using palladium and iridium catalysts provide alternatives, while biocatalytic hybrid synthetic routes offer environmentally favorable large-scale production options with yields up to 88.5%.

Conclusion

Multiple validated synthetic methods now enable efficient production of psilocybin and derivatives for clinical research. Biocatalytic routes represent promising greener alternatives for large-scale production, though further studies on accessibility and optimization of these methods remain necessary for advancing therapeutic applications.
  • Published in:Pharmaceuticals (Basel),
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 36678537, DOI: 10.3390/ph16010040
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