Fungal Hallucinogens: Chemistry, Synthesis, Behavior, Toxicity and Detection Methods in Forensic Perspective
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology October 10, 2022 Merlin Kirubakarababu, Arputharaj Samson Nesaraj 1 citation
Certain mushroom species contain the indole alkaloids psilocybin and psilocin, which have psychedelic properties and can be identified by blue bruising. These compounds are synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan and resemble serotonin, acting as agonists for 5-HT2A receptors. Intoxication may cause hallucinations, tachycardia, dilated pupils, and dysuria. Psilocin is metabolized to psilocin-o-glucuronide and excreted in urine within 6–8 hours. The alkaloids can be analyzed using Ehrlich, Marquis, and Mandelin reagents. This review briefly reports on chromatographic analysis and provides an overview of psychoactive alkaloids in certain mushroom species.