In a landmark discovery, researchers have experimentally confirmed that psilacetin — a synthetic “magic mushroom” analogue, acts as a prodrug of the psychedelic compound psilocin in the body.
This breakthrough validates decades-old speculation and highlights psilacetin’s potential to provide an affordable and possibly more potent alternative to psilocybin, the primary focus of psychedelic research so far.
Psilocybin, psilocin, and psilacetin are naturally occurring psychedelic compounds found in certain types of mushrooms.
It turns out that Psilocybin, converted into psilocin in the body leads to altered thoughts and perception. Psilacetin, a synthetic compound, mimics these effects.
Through this article, we’ll delve deeper into these fascinating substances and their distinct characteristics.
Comparing Psilocybin, Psilocin, and Psilacetin
First, let’s get to know a bit about each of these psychedelic compounds.
While psilocybin, psilocin, and psilacetin all induce a psychedelic state, they each have unique characteristics that distinguish them from one another.
For instance, psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, is converted into psilocin in the body. It’s this conversion that sparks the psychedelic journey.
On the other hand, Psilacetin is a synthetic compound that mirrors the effects of these natural substances. It’s often compared to psilocybin due to its similar effects, but it’s typically more potent.
Here’s a brief comparison to help you understand their differences:
- Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in over 200 species of mushrooms, commonly referred to as “magic mushrooms”.
- Psilocin is the key ingredient behind the psychedelic experience triggered by magic mushrooms.
- Psilacetin, also known as 4-AcO-DMT, is a synthetic psychedelic compound. It is chemically similar to psilocybin and psilocin, and its effects are often compared to those of psilocybin-containing mushrooms.
Research validates the potency of Psilacetin over Psilocybin
This groundbreaking discovery, published by a research group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, builds upon work conducted by scientists including Albert Hofmann and Franz Toxler, who first disclosed psilacetin in 1963.
Researchers David Nichols and Stewart Frescas later suggested in 1999 that psilacetin could serve as a psilocin prodrug, with potential advantages over psilocybin, including lower cost.
The recent research validates this hypothesis.
The team found that psilacetin indeed acts as a prodrug for psilocin, leading to approximately 70% of psilocin exposure compared to psilocybin.
This breakthrough could have significant implications for the field of psychedelic science.
Psilocybin, which is metabolized into psilocin in the body, is currently being investigated in clinical trials as a potential therapeutic for substance use disorders, depression, cluster headaches, and various other psychiatric disorders.
“Our findings provide the first direct support for the longstanding assumption in the field that psilacetin functions as a prodrug for psilocin in vivo,” the researchers stated.
Interestingly, another study led by scientists at the Designer Drug Research Unit in the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that psilacetin was more potent than psilocybin in mouse studies.
This suggests that psilacetin could be studied as an improved pharmacological alternative to psilocybin.
Implications for psychedelic science and therapeutics
The findings on psilacetin also underscore the importance of investigating other tryptamine compounds present in magic mushrooms.
While psilocybin has been the primary focus, the new research suggests that “minor” tryptamines could also play a significant role in the psychedelic effects and hold therapeutic potential.
The study revealed that the “degree of N-methylation and 4-position ring substitution can powerfully influence pharmacological effects of psilocybin analogues.”
This insight could be valuable for future research into these compounds.
Dr. Andrew Chadeayne, CaaMTech CEO, emphasized the significance of the emerging research, stating:
“We’re drawing closer to a comprehensive understanding of how these compounds act pharmacologically and their potential to be studied as potential treatments for some of the world’s most challenging health conditions.”
As psychedelic science continues to evolve, this groundbreaking discovery reiterates the importance of rigorous research and open-minded exploration.
The validation of psilacetin as a prodrug of psilocin opens up new possibilities in understanding and harnessing the therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds.
