Metabolism of psilocybin and psilocin: clinical and forensic toxicological relevance

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Ricardo Jorge Dinis Oliveira (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Drug Metabolism Reviews

Vol. 49

Pages: 84-91

ISSN: 0360-2532

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 47 Citations

Scopus - 48 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00M-HEQ

DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2016.1278228

Abstract (EN): Psilocybin and psilocin are controlled substances in many countries. These are the two main hallucinogenic compounds of the "magic mushrooms" and both act as agonists or partial agonists at 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(2A) subtype receptors. During the last few years, psilocybin and psilocin have gained therapeutic relevance but considerable physiological variability between individuals that can influence dose-response and toxicological profile has been reported. This review aims to discuss metabolism of psilocybin and psilocin, by presenting all major and minor psychoactive metabolites. Psilocybin is primarily a pro-drug that is dephosphorylated by alkaline phosphatase to active metabolite psilocin. This last is then further metabolized, psilocin-O-glucuronide being the main urinary metabolite with clinical and forensic relevance in diagnosis.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8