BAEOCYSTIN IN PSILOCYBE, CONOCYBE AND PANAEOLUS

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 40  (6) , 566-578
Abstract
Sixty collections of 10 spp. [Psilocybe baeocystis, P. cubensis, P. cyanescens, P. pelliculosa, P. semilanceata, P. silvatica, P. stuntzii, Conocybe smithii, C. cyanopus and Panaeolus subbatteatus] referred to 3 families of the Agaricales were analyzed for the presence of baeocystin by TLC. Baeocystin was detected in collections of Psilocybe, Conocybe and Panaeolus from the USA, Canada, Mexico and Peru. Laboratory cultivated fruit-bodies of P. cubensis, P. semilanceata and P. cyanescens were also studied. Intra-species variation in the presence and decay rate of baeocystin, psilocybin and psilocin are discussed in terms of age and storage factors. Evidence is presented to support the presence of 4-hydroxytryptamine in collections of P. baeocystis and P. cyanescens. The possible significance of baeocystin and 4-hydroxy-tryptamine in the biosynthesis of psilocybin in these organisms is discussed.