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Exploring Psilocybe spp. mycelium and fruiting body chemistry for potential therapeutic compounds

Summary

Scientists studied magic mushrooms at different growth stages to understand their chemical makeup. They found that mature mushroom caps contain high levels of psilocybin (the psychedelic compound) but the root-like mycelium contains different beneficial compounds like ergothioneine and choline. This suggests mycelium could be developed as a therapeutic product without the psychedelic effects, potentially offering health benefits while avoiding the mind-altering properties.

Background

Psilocybe mushrooms contain psilocybin and psilocin, indole alkaloids with psychedelic properties that act as serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonists. Different fungal life stages produce unique metabolite fingerprints with potentially distinct therapeutic compounds. Understanding the chemical composition differences between mycelial and fruiting body stages could reveal novel therapeutic targets.

Objective

To characterize and compare the chemical composition of Psilocybe species across different growth stages using targeted and untargeted metabolomic analysis. The study aimed to identify differential accumulation of compounds between mycelia, grain mycelia, and fruiting bodies to evaluate potential therapeutic applications.

Results

Fruiting bodies preferentially accumulated psilocybin (9.913 mg/g), baeocystin, tryptophan, ergothioneine, and phenylethylamine, distinguishing them from mycelia. Conversely, mycelia showed higher proportional levels of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, N-acetylglucosamine, and trimethylglycine. The 978 mass features identified in untargeted analysis revealed unique metabolite signatures for each fungal life stage.

Conclusion

Psilocybe mycelia possess significantly different chemical profiles than fruiting bodies, with lower psychedelic compound content but enrichment in potentially beneficial metabolites. The study supports development of Psilocybe mycelia as non-intoxicating mycotherapeutic candidates with distinct therapeutic potential from fruiting bodies.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Fungal Biology,
  • Study Type:Analytical Study,
  • Source: PMC10716206
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