Psilocybin - What Is It Made Of?

What Is It Made Of?

Psilocybin's full chemical name is phosphorylated 4-hydroxy-dimethyltryptamine (FOSS-FOR-ih-lay-tid 4-high-DROK-see-dy-meth-uhl-TRIP-tuh-meen). It is a naturally occurring compound found in mushrooms of the genus Psilocybe, the genus Panaeolus, and the genus Conocybe. About 100 species contain psilocybin. The most widely used psilocybin-containing mushrooms in the United States are Psilocybe mexicana, Psilocybe cyanescens (also known as "wavy caps"), and Psilocybe cubensis.

Within the mushroom, psilocybin is an indole alkaloidA nitrogen-containing substance found in plants.. It is often accompanied by other alkaloid compounds with mind-altering properties, including psilocin, baeocystin, and norbaeocystin. The amounts of these compounds vary widely from species to species, and even from one individual mushroom to another. The psilocybin content of a single mushroom can range from 0.03 percent to 1.3 percent of the weight of the mushroom.

Objects of Adoration

The Aztec culture in Mexico worshipped magic mushrooms as teonanacatl ("the flesh of the gods"). Teonanacatl use was restricted to the holiest ceremonies and given only to the high priests and their students.

Almost all mushrooms are composed of 80 to 90 percent water. Drying the mushrooms and removing the water concentrates the psilocybin. Therefore, dried mushrooms have a higher potency, or strength, than fresh mushrooms. Whether consumed fresh or dried, however, the mushrooms have a strong, unpleasant, dirt-like flavor that can produce nausea.

In the 1950s, scientists produced a syntheticMade in a laboratory. version of psilocybin in the form of powder and pills. These products are no longer available. They would be highly dangerous if used recreationally because of their potency.