Compound Monograph
Psilocybin
Psilocybin is the principal psychedelic tryptamine of magic mushrooms, a prodrug converted in the body to psilocin.
Classification
Psilocybin 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)
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid, found in Magic mushrooms. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity) and psychedelic.
Research & Evidence
Psilocybin is the main psychoactive constituent of Psilocybe mushrooms. It is a prodrug: the body dephosphorylates it to psilocin, a partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, which produces the characteristic changes in perception, mood and thought. Contemporary clinical research has focused on its potential in treatment-resistant depression, end-of-life anxiety and addiction, typically in supervised settings.
Toxicity & Safety
Physiological toxicity is low and overdose deaths from psilocybin alone are essentially unreported, but psychological risk is real: it can trigger anxiety, confusion and, in vulnerable people, persistent psychiatric effects. It is generally contraindicated alongside serotonergic drugs and in those with a personal or family history of psychosis. It is a Schedule I substance in the United States.
Dosage
Research and naturalistic reports describe a common oral range of roughly 10–25 mg. These figures describe doses studied in research and are not a recommendation.