Cultivation, chemistry, and genome of Psilocybe zapotecorum
Jordan Taylor Jacobs, Alan Rockefeller, Harte Singer, James Conway, Dusty R. Miller, Ian M. Bollinger, Jason C. Slot, David E. Cliffel
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) November 2, 2023 preprint DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.01.564784 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Laboratory study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 7 |
| Population | Psilocybe zapotecorum mushroom samples |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Mushroom Tryptamines Genome |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key points | Psilocybe zapotecorum contains a psilocybin concentration of 17.9±1.7 mg/g and a combined tryptamine concentration of 22.5±3.2 mg/g, with its genome revealing the psilocybin gene cluster. |
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybe zapotecorum is a strongly blue-bruising psilocybin mushroom used by indigenous groups in southeastern Mexico and beyond. While this species has a rich history of ceremonial use, research into its chemistry and genetics have been limited. Herein, we detail mushroom morphology and report on cultivation parameters, chemical profile, and the full genome sequence of P. zapotecorum . First, growth and cloning methods are detailed that are simple, and reproducible. In combination with high resolution microscopic analysis, the strain was barcoded, confirming species-level identification. Full genome sequencing reveals the architecture of the psilocybin gene cluster in P. zapotecorum, and can serve as a reference genome for Psilocybe Clade I. Characterization of the tryptamine profile revealed a psilocybin concentration of 17.9±1.7 mg/g, with a range of 10.6-25.7 mg/g (n=7), and similar tryptamines (psilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, norpsilocin, aeruginascin, 4-HO-tryptamine, and tryptamine) in lesser concentrations for a combined tryptamine concentration of 22.5±3.2 mg/g. These results show P. zapotecorum to be a potent – and variable – Psilocybe mushroom. Chemical profiling, genetic analysis, and cultivation assist in demystifying these mushrooms. As clinical studies with psilocybin gain traction, understanding the diversity of psilocybin mushrooms will assure that psilocybin therapy does not become synonymous with psilocybin mushrooms.
Comparable studies
Other experimental studies on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psilocybin induces schizophrenia-like psychosis in humans via a serotonin-2 agonist action Healthy human volunteers | 1998 | Experimental study | |
| Validation of the revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire in experimental sessions with psilocybin Participants in controlled laboratory experiments receiving a moderate to high oral... | 2015 | Validation study using pooled data from five laboratory experiments | n = 184 |
| Broadband Cortical Desynchronization Underlies the Human Psychedelic State Healthy human participants | 2013 | Experimental study | |
| Long-term follow-up of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for psychiatric and existential distress in patients with life-threatening cancer Participants with cancer-related psychiatric distress who completed a parent randomized... | 2020 | Long-term within-subjects follow-up analysis | n = 15 |
| Enzymatic Synthesis of Psilocybin | 2017 | Laboratory study |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Development of Psilocybe Mushroom Species Reference Material—Cultivation Parameters and Chemical Profiles Journal of AOAC International February 13, 2025
- Characterization and Identification of an Antimicrobial Compound Psilocybin from Psychedelic Mushroom. Indian journal of microbiology June 1, 2025
- Chemical Constituents of Psilocybe Sensu Stricto Mushrooms. A 1958 – 2025 Comprehensive Review Journal of the Mexican Chemical Society July 7, 2026
- Unlocking the power of tryptamine alkaloids in Psilocybe fungi: chemistry, mental health potential and legal challenges Mycological Progress December 8, 2025
Cites 31
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
- Neural correlates of the psychedelic state as determined by fMRI studies with psilocybin Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 23, 2012
- Percentage of Heavy Drinking Days Following Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy vs Placebo in the Treatment of Adult Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder JAMA Psychiatry August 24, 2022
and 26 more in the library