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

Summary

This study analyzed the chemical composition of ‘magic mushrooms’ (Psilocybe) at different growth stages—liquid cultures, grain cultures, and mature fruiting bodies. Using advanced laboratory techniques, researchers found that fruiting bodies contain the highest levels of psilocybin (the psychoactive compound), while mycelium contains unique beneficial compounds like alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine that may have therapeutic value without strong psychedelic effects. The findings suggest that Psilocybe mycelium could be developed as a non-intoxicating health supplement with potential therapeutic applications.

Background

Psilocybe mushrooms contain psilocybin and psilocin, alkaloids that bind to serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and produce psychedelic effects. Different fungal life stages accumulate distinct metabolite profiles, as demonstrated in other medicinal mushroom genera like Hericium erinaceus. Understanding the chemical composition of Psilocybe across growth stages could inform therapeutic development.

Objective

To characterize and compare the targeted and untargeted metabolomic profiles of Psilocybe mycelium grown in liquid culture, mycelium grown on grain substrate, and fruiting bodies using advanced analytical techniques and multivariate analysis.

Results

Fruiting bodies preferentially accumulated psilocybin (9.913 mg/g), baeocystin, tryptophan, ergothioneine, and phenylethylamine, while mycelia showed higher levels of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, N-acetylglucosamine, and trimethylglycine. Untargeted analysis identified 978 mass features with distinct metabolomic signatures between fruiting bodies and mycelia, though grain and liquid mycelia showed minimal differences.

Conclusion

Psilocybe mycelia represent a potential non-intoxicating mycotherapeutic alternative with significantly different chemistry than fruiting bodies, containing beneficial compounds like alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine while maintaining low psilocybin levels, warranting further investigation of their therapeutic potential.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Fungal Biology,
  • Study Type:Analytical Study,
  • Source: PMC10716206; PMID: 38094868; doi: 10.3389/ffunb.2023.1295223
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