Taking Different Roads: l‐Tryptophan as the Origin of Psilocybe Natural Products
Claudius Lenz, Alexander M. Sherwood, Robert B. Kargbo, Dirk Hoffmeister
ChemPlusChem October 1, 2020 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202000581 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Natural product Tryptophan Biochemistry Amino acid Pharmacology Hallucinogen Alkaloids |
| Citations | 40 |
| Key findings | Psilocybe fungi produce a diverse range of natural products derived from L-tryptophan, including psilocybin, psilocyl oligomers, beta-carbolines, and N,N-dimethyl-L-tryptophan. |
Abstract
Abstract Psychotropic fungi of the genus Psilocybe , colloquially referred to as „magic mushrooms”, are best known for their l ‐tryptophan‐derived major natural product, psilocybin. Yet, recent research has revealed a more diverse secondary metabolism that originates from this amino acid. In this minireview, the focus is laid on l ‐tryptophan and the various Psilocybe natural products and their metabolic routes are highlighted. Psilocybin and its congeners, the heterogeneous blue‐colored psilocyl oligomers, alongside β‐carbolines and N , N ‐dimethyl‐ l ‐tryptophan, are presented as well as current knowledge on their biosynthesis is provided. The multidisciplinary character of natural product research is demonstrated, and pharmacological, medicinal, ecological, biochemical, and evolutionary aspects are included.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| The pharmacology of psilocybin | 2002 | Review | |
| Serotonin research: contributions to understanding psychoses | 2008 | Review | |
| Psychedelics, Meditation, and Self-Consciousness | 2018 | Review | |
| The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act | 2018 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 23
- Diversity, biology, and history of psilocybin-containing fungi: Suggestions for research and technological development. Fungal biology April 1, 2022
- Extensive Collection of Psychotropic Mushrooms with Determination of Their Tryptamine Alkaloids International Journal of Molecular Sciences November 15, 2022
- Genetic Survey of Psilocybe Natural Products ChemBioChem May 18, 2022
- A journey with psychedelic mushrooms: From historical relevance to biology, cultivation, medicinal uses, biotechnology, and beyond Biotechnology Advances August 31, 2023
- Seeking the Psilocybiome: Psychedelics meet the microbiota-gut-brain axis. International journal of clinical and health psychology : IJCHP 2023
and 18 more in the library
Cites 35
- 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-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study Journal of Psychopharmacology January 13, 2015
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: six-month follow-up. Psychopharmacology November 8, 2017
- Pilot study of the 5-HT2AR agonist psilocybin in the treatment of tobacco addiction Journal of Psychopharmacology September 11, 2014
- The pharmacology of psilocybin Addiction Biology October 1, 2002
and 30 more in the library