Dephosphorylation of Psilocybin to Psilocin by Alkaline Phosphatase

The enzyme intestinal phosphatase breaks down psilocybin into psilocin and inorganic phosphate. Psilocin was measured using a colorimetric method and confirmed by paper chromatography. The study describes properties of this enzymatic reaction and considers whether a similar process might occur in living animals.

Study at a glance

Abstract

SummaryIncubation of psilocybin with purified intestinal phosphatase resulted in liberation of psilocin and inorganic phosphate. Psilocin formed was determined both quantitatively by a specific colorimetric method employing the nitrosonaphthol reagent and qualitatively by paper chromatography. Some characteristics of the phosphatase action on psilocybin are described. The possibility of a similar reaction occurring in the intact animal is discussed.