Compound Monograph
Psilocin
Psilocin is the active psychedelic tryptamine of magic mushrooms, formed in the body from psilocybin.
Classification
Psilocin is a tryptamine alkaloid, part of the alkaloids class. Nitrogen-containing, often bitter and physiologically potent compounds — the group behind many of the strongest plant medicines and poisons.
Where Does It Come From? (1)
Psilocin is a naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid, found in Magic mushrooms. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity) and psychedelic.
Research & Evidence
Psilocin is the active form of the psychedelic found in Psilocybe mushrooms. It is produced in the body when psilocybin is dephosphorylated, and it is psilocin itself that acts as a partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, driving the changes in perception, mood and thought associated with the mushroom experience. Because it is the bioactive species, contemporary clinical interest in psilocybin for depression, anxiety and addiction is ultimately interest in psilocin’s pharmacology.
Toxicity & Safety
Physiological toxicity is low and overdose from psilocin alone is essentially unreported, but psychological risk is real and it can provoke anxiety, confusion or, in vulnerable people, lasting psychiatric effects. It is generally contraindicated with serotonergic drugs and in those with a personal or family history of psychosis. It is a Schedule I substance in the United States.
Dosage
Naturalistic reports and research describe a common oral range of roughly 15–25 mg. These figures describe doses studied in research and are not a recommendation.