Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are fungi that produce psychotropic compounds, some of which are hallucinogenic and have psychedelic effects. Many species of mushrooms instantly develop a blue coloration when they are cut, plucked, or bruised. This phenomenon is called bluing and is well-known for some mushrooms, but the mechanism underlying this reaction has puzzled scientists for decades. While most magic mushroom species bruise, not all of them will experience bruising, and some species that contain psilocybin do not bruise at all.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms that bruise blue | Psilocybe cubensis, Boletales, Psilocybe azurescens, Bolete |
| Cause of blue bruising | Oxidised gyrocyanin, pulvinic acid, oxidised psilocybin, copper-based compound, oxygen exposure |
| Impact of blue bruising | Reduced potency of psilocybin, possible protective function |
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What You'll Learn
Not all magic mushrooms bruise blue
It is a common misconception that all magic mushrooms bruise blue. While it is true that many species of mushrooms, including some magic mushrooms, instantly develop a blue coloration when they are cut or bruised, not all magic mushrooms exhibit this phenomenon.
The blue colour observed in some mushrooms is caused by the presence of specific compounds and enzymes. Psilocybin and psilocin are two compounds found in magic mushrooms that contribute to their psychotropic effects. When these mushrooms are damaged, the compounds undergo a chemical reaction, resulting in the formation of blue pigments. However, not all magic mushrooms contain these compounds, and even among those that do, the presence of additional factors, such as specific enzymes or metal compounds, influences whether they will bruise blue.
A study published in Chemistry World in 2024 shed light on this mystery. It was discovered that the blue colour in Psilocybe mushrooms, a type of magic mushroom, is not caused by oxidised psilocybin, as previously believed. Instead, researchers identified six mushroom pigments that are products of a complex cascade reaction involving psilocybin and other enzymes. This reaction results in the formation of colourful indigo-like polymers that give rise to the blue colour.
Additionally, it is important to note that the intensity of the blue bruising does not necessarily indicate the potency of the mushrooms. While it is true that psilocybin must degrade to some extent for the blue colour to appear, the presence of psilocybin and psilocin is not solely responsible for the hallucinogenic properties of magic mushrooms. Other factors, such as the concentration and interaction of various compounds, also play a role in their psychoactive effects.
In summary, while many magic mushrooms do bruise blue due to the presence of specific compounds and enzymes, it is not a universal trait among all magic mushroom species. The blue bruising is a result of a complex chemical reaction that is influenced by multiple factors, and its presence or absence should not be solely relied upon as an indicator of the effectiveness or potency of the mushrooms.
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Bluing is caused by indigo-like pigments
Not all mushrooms bruise blue, but several species do. Bluing is believed to be caused by indigo-like pigments. Chemists have unravelled the mystery behind the blue colour of "magic mushrooms" or Psilocybe, which are fungi that produce the psychotropic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. The blue colour is caused by colourful indigo-like polymers.
The pigments are products of a cascade reaction starting with psilocybin. A phosphatase enzyme removes its phosphate group, converting it into psilocin. An oxidising laccase then creates psilocyl radicals, which combine to form C-5 coupled subunits and then further polymerise via C-7. The blue pigments' function remains unknown, but it is hypothesised that they may serve a protective role, acting as a repellent against predators.
The blue colour is also influenced by the presence of psilocybin and/or psilocin (or a copper-based element). However, not all mushrooms containing these compounds will bruise blue. For example, some species with confirmed psilocybin do not bruise at all. Additionally, some non-psychoactive strains of mushrooms also bruise blue, but the reaction is believed to be different, resulting in varying shades of blue.
The blueing reaction in Psilocybe mushrooms has been studied, and it was found that upon injury, the mushrooms instantly develop a dark blue colour. This reaction involves a laccase and a phosphatase that degrade and initiate blueing. The blue colour is due to a heterogeneous mixture of quinoid psilocyl oligomers, primarily coupled via C-5.
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Bluing is influenced by the presence of psilocybin
Bluing in mushrooms is influenced by the presence of psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms. Psilocybin is the key ingredient in magic mushrooms and is converted into psilocin in the body, which is the chemical that causes psychoactive effects.
The mechanism behind the bluing of psychedelic mushrooms containing psilocybin puzzled scientists for decades. It was known that the blue colour was caused by oxidised psilocybin, but the nature of the pigment and the biochemical pathway producing it remained a mystery. However, recent research has revealed that the blue pigments in magic mushrooms are similar to indigo, the dye used to produce blue jeans. The pigment is not a single compound but a complex mixture of linked psilocybin oxidation products, mainly quinoid psilocyl oligomers.
All six mushroom pigments identified in the study are products of a cascade reaction starting with psilocybin. A phosphatase enzyme removes its phosphate group, converting it into psilocin. An oxidizing laccase then creates psilocyl radicals, which combine to form C-5 coupled subunits and then further polymerize via C-7.
The presence of psilocybin is required for the blue bruising reaction to occur, but not all mushrooms containing psilocybin will bruise. Some non-psychoactive mushroom strains also bruise blue, likely through a different reaction and with different compounds than those found in psilocybin mushrooms. Additionally, some mushroom species confirmed to contain psilocybin do not bruise at all. It is hypothesized that a copper-based compound produced by an enzyme present in some psilocybin mushrooms may be responsible for the bluing reaction, as it does not require exposure to oxygen.
The blue pigments' function in mushrooms is still unknown. However, it is hypothesized that they may serve a protective role, acting as an on-demand repellent against predators by producing reactive oxygen species toxic to insects.
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Bluing may serve a protective function
While the mechanism behind the blue bruising of mushrooms has been discovered, the purpose of this phenomenon remains a mystery. One hypothesis is that bluing may serve a protective function.
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms are known for their hallucinogenic and psychotropic effects, which are caused by the compound psilocybin and its metabolite psilocin. When these mushrooms are damaged, they instantly develop a dark blue colour. This colour change is due to the oxidation of psilocybin, forming blue pigments similar to indigo.
The blue pigments produced by bruised mushrooms may serve as a defence mechanism against predators. It is speculated that these pigments could produce reactive oxygen species, which are toxic to insects that feed on the mushrooms. This protective function may help deter insects from consuming the mushrooms, thereby preserving their integrity and survival.
Additionally, the presence of monomeric psilocybin in the fungus has been linked to protection from mycophagous insects by interfering with their behaviour. This further supports the idea that bluing may play a protective role for the mushrooms.
Not all mushrooms that contain psilocybin exhibit blue bruising. The presence of a copper-based compound, produced by an enzyme, is believed to be a critical factor in the bluing reaction. This explains why some non-psychoactive mushrooms also bruise, as they may contain this copper-based compound.
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Some non-psychoactive mushrooms also bruise blue
While the blue bruising of "magic mushrooms" or psilocybin-containing fungi has been well-documented, several non-psychoactive strains of mushrooms also bruise blue. However, the bluing reaction in these mushrooms is believed to be different, resulting in varying shades of blue produced by distinct compounds from those found in psilocybin mushrooms.
The blue colour in Boletales mushrooms, for instance, is attributed to oxidised gyrocyanin or pulvinic acid, unlike the pigments in Psilocybe mushrooms. Some non-psilocybin mushrooms that bruise blue include the North American bicolor bolete, whose underside of the cap stains blue when cut or damaged, and the devil's bolete, which has red on its cap and stem.
The blue bruising in non-psilocybin mushrooms may be influenced by the presence of a metal compound, particularly a copper-based element. This belief stems from a 1967 study that found the bluing reaction does not always require oxygen exposure. The copper-based compound is likely produced by an enzyme present in some, but not all, psilocybin mushrooms, explaining why not all psilocybin-containing mushrooms bruise.
It is important to distinguish blue bruising from blackening in mushrooms. Heavy blue bruising can sometimes appear black, but if mushrooms develop black spots with an unpleasant odour, it indicates mould or rot, making them unsafe for consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
No, not all mushrooms bruise blue. While most magic mushroom species bruise blue, some species of mushrooms that contain psilocybin do not bruise at all.
Bluing is believed to be influenced by the potency of psilocybin mushrooms. This is because psilocin must degrade and break down for the bluish bruises to occur. The more bluish bruising on the mushrooms, the more psilocin has degraded, and the less active amount there is to produce psychedelic effects upon consumption.
Mushrooms from the genus Psilocybe accumulate psilocybin, which makes them hallucinogenic. Upon injury, psychotropic psilocybin-producing mushrooms instantly develop an intense blue colour. The blue colour is caused by oxidised psilocybin.
Examples of mushrooms that bruise blue include Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe azurescens, and Boletaceae.
