The Content of Psilocybin in Norwegian Psilocybe semilanceata
Anders Christiansen, Knut Rasmussen, Klaus Høiland
Planta Medica July 1, 1981 DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-971632 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe mushroom Psilocybe semilanceata, which contains hallucinogenic indole alkaloids, has been used as a narcotic drug in Norway. Its psilocybin content, habitats, and distribution across the country were investigated. The mushroom grows on grassy sites throughout most of Norway from mid-August to mid-October. Psilocybin content in dried mushrooms varied considerably, from 0.17 to 1.96%. Smaller mushrooms had the highest percentage concentration, while larger mushrooms had the highest total amount in milligrams. The psilocybin content makes P. semilanceata a potent hallucinogenic drug.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Psilocybe semilanceata mushrooms collected in Norway |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Mushroom Traditional medicine Chemistry |
| Citations | 20 |
| Key finding | Psilocybin content in dried Norwegian Psilocybe semilanceata ranged from 0.17 to 1.96%, with higher percentage concentrations in smaller mushrooms and higher total amounts in larger mushrooms. |
Abstract
Psilocybe semilanceata contains hallucinogenic indole alkaloids and has been used as a narcotic drug in Norway. The content of psilocybin, the major constituent in Norwegian P. semilanceata, has been investigated as well as its habitats and its distribution throughout the country. The mushroom is growing on grassy sites in most parts of Norway from the middle of August to the middle of October. The psilocybin content in dried mushrooms varied considerably, from 0.17 to 1.96%. The highest concentrations in percent was found among the smaller mushrooms whereas the content in mg was highest in larger mushrooms. The content of psilocybin makes P. semilanceata to a potent hallucinogenic drug.