What Are The Active Compounds in Psilocybin Mushrooms?
In the area of psychotropic drugs, tryptamines are known to be a broad class of classical or serotonergic hallucinogen. Psychedelic mushrooms, often referred to as “magic mushrooms,” primarily contain the active compounds psilocybin and psilocin. Here is a brief overview of each tryptamine found in psilocybin mushrooms.
- Psilocybin:
- Chemical Structure: Psilocybin is a prodrug, meaning it is metabolized in the body to produce its active form, psilocin. Its chemical formula is C12H17N2O4P.
- Effects: Psilocybin is responsible for the psychedelic effects experienced when consuming magic mushrooms. It can cause alterations in perception, mood, and thought, leading to experiences such as visual and auditory hallucinations, altered sense of time, and profound changes in consciousness.
- Mechanism of Action: Psilocybin is converted into psilocin in the body, which then binds to serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, contributing to its psychoactive effects.
- Psilocin:
- Chemical Structure: Psilocin is the active metabolite of psilocybin with the chemical formula C12H16N2O.
- Effects: Psilocin directly affects the brain and is responsible for the psychoactive effects of magic mushrooms. It produces effects similar to psilocybin, such as changes in perception, mood, and cognition.
- Mechanism of Action: Psilocin acts primarily on the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, as well as other serotonin receptors, leading to altered brain activity and the characteristic effects of psychedelic experiences.
In addition to psilocybin and psilocin, magic mushrooms contain several other compounds, though they are present in much smaller amounts and contribute less significantly to the overall psychedelic effects. These include:
- Baeocystin: A derivative of psilocybin, also with psychedelic properties but typically found in lower concentrations.
- Norbaeocystin: Another derivative, similar to baeocystin, with less potent psychoactive effects.
- Aeruginascin: Found in some species of psychedelic mushrooms, it is structurally related to psilocybin and may contribute to the overall effects.
The concentration and ratio of these compounds can vary widely between different species of psychedelic mushrooms, affecting the intensity and nature of the psychedelic experience.