Extraction of Psilocybin and Psilocin from Psilocybe Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms, aka psilocybe-containing mushrooms, have blown up in recent years. A number of factors have led to this increased attention, yet it is their potential therapeutic applications leading the charge. With growing interest, there’s an increasing interest in learning how to extract their active compounds. In this article, we will cover some commonly used extraction methods and their efficiency.

Extraction Methods, Tools, and Techniques for Psilocybin-Containing Mushrooms: Efficiency and Concentration

Please note, the information included in this article is for novelty and informational purposes. Some of the extraction methods use dangerous chemicals, and should only be handled by experienced and qualified professionals. Do not attempt to perform any of these methods at home.

Ethanol Extraction: A Time-Tested Approach

One of the most widely employed methods for extracting psilocybin from mushrooms, ethanol extraction boasts simplicity and accessibility. By utilizing ethanol as a solvent, active compounds are dissolved from the mushroom tissue. Though not the most efficient method, it is straightforward and requires minimal equipment.

Efficiency: Moderate
Expected Concentration: 60-75%

Tools and Materials:

Dried, ground mushroom material
High-proof ethanol (95% or higher)
Glass jars or containers with airtight lids
Coffee filters or cheesecloth
Glass dish or evaporating dish
Dark storage area

Process:

1. Combine the ground mushroom material and ethanol in the glass jar.
2. Agitate the mixture and let it sit in a dark, cool place for a few days, occasionally shaking the jar to facilitate extraction.
3. After a few days, filter the liquid through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into a glass dish.
4. Allow the ethanol to evaporate from the glass dish, leaving behind the extracted compounds.

Cold Water Extraction: Embracing Simplicity

Cold water extraction capitalizes on psilocybin’s water solubility, employing a simple, chemical-free method to extract the active compound. While this technique is easy to implement, it may yield a lower concentration of psilocybin compared to other methods.

Efficiency: Low
Expected Concentration: 40-60%

Tools and Materials:

Fresh or dried mushrooms
Distilled or purified water
Blender or coffee grinder
Glass jars or containers
Coffee filters or cheesecloth
Refrigerator

Process:

1. Grind or blend the mushrooms into a fine powder.
2. Mix the mushroom powder with distilled water in a glass jar.
3. Place the jar in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
4. Filter the liquid through a coffee filter or cheesecloth, collecting the liquid in a separate container.

Acid/Base Extraction: The Pursuit of Purity

A more advanced technique, acid/base extraction seeks to not only extract but also purify psilocybin and psilocin from mushrooms. A/B extraction receives some of the highest purity concentrations due to the process of converting psilocybin to its active metabolite, psilocin, using the acid, the subsequently extracting psilocin using a nonpolar solvent.

Efficiency: High
Expected Concentration: 80-95%

Tools and Materials:

Ground mushroom material
Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
Nonpolar solvent (e.g., naphtha or heptane)
Separatory funnel
pH testing strips
Glass containers
Safety equipment (gloves, goggles, etc.)

Process:

1. Mix the ground mushroom material with an acidic solution (e.g., diluted HCl or citric acid) to convert psilocybin into psilocin.
2. Basify the acidic mixture using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to create a nonpolar environment.
3. Add a nonpolar solvent (e.g., naphtha or heptane) to the basified mixture and agitate.
4. Separate the nonpolar solvent layer containing the extracted compounds using a separatory funnel.
5. Evaporate the solvent, leaving behind the extracted and purified psilocin.

Ultrasonic Extraction: Harnessing the Power of Sound Waves

Ultrasonic extraction is an innovative technique that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to facilitate the extraction of active compounds from plant materials, including psilocybin-containing mushrooms. The ultrasonic vibrations cause cavitation in the solvent, which leads to the formation and collapse of microscopic bubbles. The resulting mechanical force breaks down the cell walls, releasing the active compounds and improving extraction efficiency.

Efficiency: High
Expected Concentration: 80-95%

Tools and Materials:

Dried, ground mushroom material
Solvent (e.g., ethanol, water, or a mixture)
Ultrasonic bath or probe
Glass jars or containers with airtight lids
Coffee filters or cheesecloth
Glass dish or evaporating dish
Process:

1. Combine the ground mushroom material and solvent in a glass jar or container.
2. Place the jar or container in an ultrasonic bath or use an ultrasonic probe to apply ultrasonic energy to the mixture. The duration and intensity of ultrasonication depend on the equipment used and the desired extraction efficiency.
3. After ultrasonication, filter the liquid through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into a separate container, removing the solid mushroom material.
4. If necessary, evaporate or remove the solvent to obtain the concentrated extract of psilocybin and psilocin.

Ultrasonic extraction has several advantages over traditional extraction methods. It generally offers a higher extraction efficiency, reduces processing time, and may improve the purity of the extracted compounds. However, this method may require specialized equipment and knowledge, making it less accessible for home or small-scale applications.

Conclusion

In summary, the three outlined methods exhibit varying levels of efficiency and expected concentrations of psilocybin and psilocin.
Each technique has its own merits and drawbacks, and your extraction method will depend on personal factors such as desired purity, available resources, and the intended application of the extracted compounds. Safety precautions and responsible chemical handling are paramount when undertaking any extraction process.