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Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Psilocybe Mushrooms: Gaps and Perspectives

Summary

This comprehensive review examined what we know about Psilocybe mushrooms, which are known for their mind-altering effects due to compounds called psilocybin and psilocin. The study found that while these mushrooms show promise for treating depression and anxiety, most research has focused only on their psychoactive properties. The review identified over 30 chemical compounds in these mushrooms and noted that some species show potential antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The authors emphasize that much more research is needed to explore other potential health benefits and to understand exactly how individual compounds work in the body.

Background

Psilocybe mushrooms are known for producing tryptamine alkaloids, particularly psilocybin and psilocin, which have demonstrated antidepressant and anxiolytic potential due to structural similarity to serotonin. Legal restrictions have limited research on the chemical composition and biological properties of these mushrooms beyond their psychoactive effects.

Objective

This bibliographic review aimed to synthesize published data on the biological properties and chemical composition of Psilocybe mushrooms to identify gaps in current knowledge and suggest future research directions. The study focused on examining secondary metabolites, their concentrations, extraction methods, stability, and reported biological activities across the genus.

Results

Analysis identified 37 chemical compounds across Psilocybe species, with 23 being alkaloids. Psilocybin and psilocin concentrations ranged from 0.0008–2.02% and 0.01–1.27% respectively. Four studies demonstrated antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Most research focused on quantifying psychoactive alkaloids, with limited investigation of other biological activities or isolated compound mechanisms.

Conclusion

While Psilocybe mushrooms show promise for psychiatric applications, the genus remains chemically and biologically underexplored. Future research should focus on isolating novel compounds, evaluating biological activities beyond psychoactivity, and determining mechanisms of action for both whole extracts and individual compounds to expand therapeutic applications.
  • Published in:Pharmaceuticals (Basel),
  • Study Type:Literature Review,
  • Source: PMID: 40732278, DOI: 10.3390/ph18070989
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