Cultivation, chemistry, and genome of Psilocybe zapotecorum
Dusty R. Miller, Jordan Taylor Jacobs, Alan Rockefeller, Harte Singer, Ian M. Bollinger, James Conway, Jason C. Slot, David E. Cliffel
Journal of Psychedelic Studies April 5, 2024 DOI: 10.1556/2054.2023.00332 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 7 |
| Population | Psilocybe zapotecorum mushroom samples |
| Keywords | Computational biology Alkaloids |
| Citations | 7 |
| Key findings | Psilocybe zapotecorum has 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 architecture. |
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 has been limited. Herein, we report on mushroom morphology, cultivation parameters, chemical profile, and the full genome sequence of P. zapotecorum . First, we detail growth and cloning methods that are simple, and reproducible. In combination with high resolution microscopic analysis, the strain was identified by DNA barcoding, confirming the field 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, and 4-HO-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 chemically 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 Psilocybe expands the conversation beyond the molecule.