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Multianalytical Investigation of Psilocybe cubensis Mushrooms: Physicochemical Characterization and Biological Evaluation of Psilocybin and Psilocin Compounds

Summary

Scientists extracted and analyzed psilocybin and psilocin from Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms to develop a medication for treating mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Using various analytical techniques, they confirmed the extract contained about 3.26% psilocybin and was safe, pure, and stable. The research shows that creating a psilocybin-based medicine from these mushrooms is feasible and could offer a new treatment option for people struggling with mental health issues.

Background

Mental disorders affect approximately 970 million people worldwide, with incidence increasing post-COVID-19. Psilocybin, a naturally occurring alkaloid in Psilocybe mushrooms, has demonstrated potential therapeutic applications for psychological disorders with low acute toxicity and no evidence of neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity, or mutagenicity.

Objective

To develop an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) derived from Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms for treatment of mental health disorders through extraction of bioactive compounds, quantitative analysis, and evaluation of physicochemical and biological properties.

Results

Extraction yielded approximately 20% with psilocybin content of 3.26% and psilocin of 0.34%. API demonstrated high solubility in polar solvents, low cytotoxicity, acceptable heavy metal and microbial loads, and thermal stability suitable for controlled-release formulations. Elemental analysis confirmed presence of phosphorus and essential minerals without toxicity.

Conclusion

Development of psilocybin- and psilocin-based API is feasible and represents significant advancement in mental disorder treatment. The extracted API exhibits stability, purity, and compatibility with polymeric matrices, establishing foundation for innovative therapeutic alternatives in psychiatric care.
  • Published in:ACS Omega,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 41048717, DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.5c05606
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