Aeruginascin

Aeruginascin

Aeruginascin is an alkaloid of natural origin whose term in the official IUPAC nomenclature is: N, N, N-trimethyl-4-fosporyloxytryptamine.
Aeruginascina has the molecular formula C13H20N2O4P and is a non-basic indole alkaloid analogous to psilocybin, naturally produced by the Inocybe aeruginascens mushroom and present around 0.14% – 0.35%.
Inocybe aeruginascens (M. Babos) is a fungus belonging to the Inocybaceae family, widespread in central Europe and western North America. It grows in humid sandy soils, in mycorrhizal symbiosis with poplars, lime trees, oaks and willows, mainly in May and June.
In 1983 this mushroom attracted the attention of doctors and biochemists after psychotropic intoxications were recorded in Germany. Subsequent research then confirmed the presence of psilocybin (0.01-0.1%) in the fruiting bodies of the mushroom. Other researches confirmed the presence of baeocystin, tryptophan, psilocin.
In addition, a previously unknown tryptamine alkaloid was called aeruginascina after its discovery in this species of fungus.

This substance has a muscarine-like structure, and was identified by thin-layer chromatography.
Aeruginascin is probably synthesized, starting from psilocybin, through an enzyme of the methyltransferase type.
To date, the pharmacology and toxicology of aeruginascina are not fully known and evaluated.
This substance, due to the presence of the quaternary ammonium group, is unlikely to cross the blood-brain barrier, a necessary condition to exert psychoactive effects. It is possible that aeruginascin is rapidly dephosphorylated in vivo in animals, giving rise to 4-Hydroxy-N, N, N-trimethyltryptamine, similarly to what happens for the other psilocybin alkaloids.

Warning: The information shown is not medical advice and may not be accurate. The contents are for illustrative purposes only and do not replace medical advice.