Since the resurgence of psychedelic research, many scientists have investigated psilocybin and its effects on mental health. While this remains a key focus, some researchers also explore other areas, such as understanding the relationship between psilocybin's potency and dosing.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington have developed a method to measure the potency of
shrooms Canada. This analysis employs liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, as detailed in the February issue of Analytica Chimica Acta. These reliable analytical methods are essential to ensure product safety and determine appropriate dosing.
Key Points
- Accurate measurement of Psilocybe using techniques like LC-MS/MS is significant for medicinal safety, research reliability, and informed consumer decisions.
- Liquid Chromatography separates mixture components, while Mass Spectrometry identifies and quantifies them. Together, they enable precise analysis of complex mixtures.
- Psilocybin can alleviate depression and anxiety for several months, benefit terminally ill patients, and enhance the brain's ability to form new emotional and informational pathways.
What Is Psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a type of psychedelic drug. For centuries, people have consumed it fresh, cooked, or brewed it into tea. Some Indigenous communities worldwide have been using it for over 1,000 years. Researchers even believe that rock paintings in Western Australia may depict psilocybin use in Indigenous ceremonies dating back 10,000 years.
Psychedelics can alter mood, perception, and thoughts. In the 1950s and 60s, scientists began exploring how these effects could benefit people with mental illnesses.
In the late 60s, there was a brief halt to psychedelic exploration, which led to a sharp decline in psychedelic research during the 70s.
Today, a resurgence in psychedelic research is underway. Decades of effort and scientists have revived global interest in researching psychedelics' potential benefits.
Medical Benefits
This new wave of research has yielded promising results.
Psilocybin has antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects that can last for several months. It also appears beneficial for treating depression and anxiety in terminally ill patients. The compound may enhance the brain’s ability to form new emotional and informational pathways.
Other findings include:
- Help in smoking cessation and reduce alcohol and cocaine dependence.
- A “breakthrough therapy” for enhancing emotional well-being and life satisfaction.
- Reduce psychological distress.
- Reduce cluster headaches' frequency and severity and alleviate pain.
Importance of Accurate Measurement
Accurate measurement of this compound is necessary for several reasons:
- Clinical Safety and Efficacy: Precise dosing is significant in clinical settings to guarantee patient safety and achieve the desired therapeutic effects.
- Research and Development: Consistent measurement enables reliable research outcomes that facilitate the development of new therapies and understanding of the compound’s mechanisms of action.
- Consumer Information: For potential therapeutic and recreational users, accurate labelling ensures informed decision-making.
Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Liquid Chromatography (LC)
The demand for faster and more efficient investigation of larger and more complex samples has spurred the development of advanced laboratory instruments. Liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) is the preferred technique for identifying and quantifying compounds.
Mass Spectrometry
Since the mid-20th century, scientists and industry professionals have used mass spectrometry (MS) for quantitative and qualitative analysis. Its complexity limited it to specialized laboratories, but technological advancements have made it more accessible in clinical settings.
MS separates ions by their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) using various analyzers like quadrupoles, TOF, and orbitraps. Ionization methods include electron ionization, electrospray ionization (ESI), and others. Tandem mass spectrometry involves two analyses in series, with fragmentation in between, and can use identical or different types of analyzers.
Liquid Chromatography
In liquid chromatography (LC), molecules are separated based on their interaction with a stationary and a mobile phase. LC-MS/MS combines liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, which enhances sensitivity and specificity by separating interferences and improving analyte detection.
How LC-MS/MS Works Together to Measure Psilocybin Potency
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry is a sophisticated technique that combines the capabilities of LC and MS to analyze complex mixtures with high precision. Due to its sensitivity and specificity, it is beneficial for measuring the composition of shrooms.
A 2024 study aimed to determine psilocybin and psilocin in the hallucinogenic mushroom species Psilocybe cubensis. The team of researchers used LC-MS/MS to analyze five strains of dried, intact mushrooms: Blue Meanie, Creeper, B-Plus, Texas Yellow, and Thai Cubensis.
The Process
Researchers developed an extraction protocol to evaluate sample milling techniques, extraction solvents, and recovery/stability. Two analytes were determined using reversed-phase chromatography using fused-core particle phases, which took less than 5 minutes. They assessed matrix effects by comparing the signal response of calibration samples in neat solutions and various mushroom matrices.
Findings
The detection limit for psilocybin was 1.5 ng/mL, and for psilocin, it was 0.15 ng/mL. Accuracy and precision assessments showed percent errors and relative standard deviations (RSD) of less than 6% at all concentration levels.
Three whole mushrooms from each strain were individually analyzed to determine the average content between strains and among mushrooms of the same strain. The study found the average total psilocybin and psilocin concentrations:
- 1.36% for Creeper
- 1.22% for Blue Meanie
- 1.13% for B+
- 1.10% for Texas Yellow
- 0.88% for Thai Cubensis
Researchers also tested a subset of these mushrooms in a separate, non-affiliated laboratory and obtained comparable results. The secondary laboratory reported improved precision when they homogenized multiple mushrooms before extraction.
What Does This Mean to Users and Patients
Some psychonauts argue that a cube is a cube and that potency doesn’t affect the experience, but there is still a need to learn more about this fungus. A mushroom's potency refers to the concentration of its psychoactive compounds. Higher components mean a higher concentration of these compounds.
Users and patients can find the right balance by adjusting the dosage according to the mushroom's strength. This helps prevent overwhelming experiences and reduces side effects such as nausea, headaches, or panic attacks.
Mushroom Selection With Different Potencies
Different strains offer varying levels of active compounds. Some strains are suitable for experienced users, while others are classic strains that beginners can enjoy without worrying about an intense experience.
| Feature |
Blue Meanies |
B+ Cubensis |
Creeper |
| Potency |
High |
Average |
High |
| Characteristics |
Hemispheric caps that can be bell-shaped and become more convex or dome-like once it mature. |
Light brown caps with a dark brown center and long white stems. |
Conical or bell-shaped cap ranging from reddish-brown to yellowish-brown. |
| Effects |
Euphoria, hallucinations, happiness, extreme laughter |
Enjoyable experience that is more or less under control. |
Some trip reports suggest the experience is a bit “darker” than they’ve experienced with other strains. |
Potency Awareness Leads to Better Dosing
Accurate active compound measurement with advanced techniques like
LC-MS is essential for medical use. It provides precise data, supports clinical research, ensures patient safety, and helps set medical standards. As interest in psilocybin's therapeutic potential grows, this experimentation will play a key role in maximizing its benefits. Zoomies Canada offers varying potencies of magic mushroom strains online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any limitations to using LC-MS in measuring shroom components?
- Cost: The equipment and maintenance for this method are expensive.
- Complexity: Requires specialized training and expertise to operate and interpret results.
- Sample Preparation: The process can be time-consuming and requires meticulous handling to avoid contamination.
Can you measure shroom potency at home?
Setting up an LC-MS system at home is impractical and expensive. Some psychonauts use reagent tests for their mushrooms. These tests, commonly available online, can indicate the presence of psychedelic compounds. Some test kits include a colour chart to estimate the amount present, but these home tests are not highly accurate.
Can different doses of shrooms affect the treatment process?
Dosage can influence the outcome when treating various conditions, but it primarily affects the individual's experience rather than the disease itself. Since people can react differently to dosages, it's essential to determine the correct amount, just as with other drugs or medications. Understanding the strength of Psilocybe helps doctors manage the dosage effectively for their patients.
By Chris Bates
