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

Summary

This study compared the chemical makeup of psilocybin mushroom mycelium (the root-like growth) versus fruiting bodies (the mushrooms themselves) to understand their different therapeutic potential. While fruiting bodies contain much higher levels of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound, mycelium accumulates other beneficial compounds like α-GPC that may enhance cognition and motor function without strong psychedelic effects. This research suggests that mushroom mycelium could be developed as a non-intoxicating therapeutic alternative with its own unique health benefits.

Background

Psilocybe mushrooms contain psilocybin and psilocin, indole alkaloids that act as serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonists producing psychedelic effects. Different fungal life stages produce unique metabolite fingerprints that may have distinct therapeutic potential, similar to other medicinal fungi like Hericium erinaceus which produces different bioactive compounds in mycelium versus fruiting bodies.

Objective

To characterize and compare the chemical composition of Psilocybe mycelium, grain mycelium, and fruiting bodies using targeted and untargeted metabolomic analysis to identify differential accumulation of compounds and assess the therapeutic potential of mycelial versus fruiting body preparations.

Results

Fruiting bodies preferentially accumulated psilocybin (9.913 mg/g), baeocystin, tryptophan, ergothioneine, and phenylethylamine, while mycelia showed significantly higher levels of α-glycerylphosphorylcholine, N-acetylglucosamine, and trimethylglycine. No significant differences were found between liquid culture mycelium and grain mycelium. PCA and hierarchical clustering revealed distinct metabolomic profiles among the three fungal life stages.

Conclusion

Psilocybe mycelium exhibits markedly lower psilocybin content but accumulates bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications including α-GPC for cognition and motor function. Mycelial preparations may serve as non-intoxicating mycotherapeutic alternatives while maintaining chemically distinct and potentially beneficial metabolite profiles compared to fruiting bodies.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Fungal Biology,
  • Study Type:Analytical Study,
  • Source: PMID: 38094868, DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2023.1295223
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