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Simultaneous Production of Psilocybin and a Cocktail of β-Carboline Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors in Magic Mushrooms

Summary

This research revealed that magic mushrooms produce two types of compounds that work together to create their effects. In addition to psilocybin (the main psychedelic compound), the mushrooms also produce substances called β-carbolines that help prevent the breakdown of psilocybin in the body. This discovery helps explain how these mushrooms achieve their effects through multiple mechanisms. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides new understanding of how natural psychedelic compounds work in combination • Could lead to development of more effective therapeutic treatments for mental health conditions • Demonstrates nature’s sophisticated chemical strategies that could inspire new drug development • Helps explain traditional knowledge about psychoactive plants and fungi • May contribute to safer and more controlled medical applications of psychedelic compounds

Background

Psilocybe ‘magic’ mushrooms are known to produce psilocybin, a psychotropic alkaloid derived from L-tryptophan. Despite their significance, the secondary metabolome of these fungi is poorly understood. β-carbolines are known MAO inhibitors found in ayahuasca, but have not previously been identified in Psilocybe species.

Objective

To investigate and characterize the presence of β-carbolines and other L-tryptophan-derived compounds in Psilocybe mushrooms, and understand their potential role in the mushrooms’ psychotropic effects.

Results

The study identified harmane, harmine, and other β-carbolines as natural products in Psilocybe species, confirmed through NMR spectroscopy and stable-isotope labeling. MALDI-MS imaging showed β-carbolines accumulate toward hyphal apices. The compounds were found to be potent inhibitors of monoamine oxidases and can interfere with psilocybin degradation.

Conclusion

Psilocybe mushrooms produce both psilocybin and β-carbolines, representing an unprecedented scenario where different natural product pathways originating from the same building block produce dissimilar compounds that contribute to the same pharmacological effects through different mechanisms.
  • Published in:Chemistry,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1002/chem.201904363
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