Sarah Brown
Blue bruising, or bluing, is a natural process that occurs in psilocybin mushrooms. While the exact reason is unknown, it is believed to be caused by the oxidation of psilocybin and/or psilocin, the compounds responsible for the mushrooms' psychedelic effects. This oxidation results in the degradation of these compounds, leading to a loss of potency. However, the extent of this potency loss is debated, with some claiming it is insignificant, while others argue that heavily bruised mushrooms are noticeably less potent. Additionally, the presence of blue bruising is not always indicative of a mushroom's potency, as some potent mushrooms may not exhibit any bruising at all.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does mushroom blue means losing potency? | While some sources claim that the blue bruising on mushrooms indicates a loss of potency, others suggest that the loss is insignificant and not noticeable. |
| Cause of blue bruising | The blue colour is caused by the oxidation of psilocybin and psilocin, the psychotropic compounds in mushrooms. |
| Identification of active mushrooms | Some people deliberately bruise mushrooms to identify them as active, as the look-alikes may not show blue bruising. |
| Contamination test | A Q-tip test can be used to determine if the mushroom is contaminated; if the blue colour transfers to the Q-tip, the mushroom is likely contaminated. |
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What You'll Learn
Bluing is believed to influence the potency of psilocybin mushrooms
Bluing, or bruising, is a natural process that occurs in psilocybin mushrooms, causing them to develop blue spots over time or when they are cut or bruised. While the exact reason for this phenomenon is not known, it is believed to be caused by the degradation and breakdown of psilocin, a compound that profoundly alters human perception when ingested. This process results in the formation of blue pigments, similar to indigo, the dye used to produce blue jeans.
The presence of these blue pigments is believed to influence the potency of psilocybin mushrooms. As psilocin degrades and breaks down, the amount of active compound available to produce psychedelic effects upon consumption decreases, leading to a potential loss of potency. However, it is important to note that the loss of potency due to bluing is considered insignificant by some sources. The amount of psilocin required to turn the mushrooms blue is relatively small, and the mushrooms would need to be extremely blue or even jet black before any noticeable loss of potency occurs.
Additionally, the bluing reaction is not observed in all psilocybin mushrooms, as some species that contain psilocybin do not bruise at all. This suggests that the presence of blue bruising alone is not a definitive indicator of potency. Other factors, such as the age and strain of the mushroom, may also play a role in determining potency.
While the exact mechanism behind the bluing reaction in psilocybin mushrooms has been a mystery for decades, recent studies have made significant progress in understanding the biochemical pathway involved. It is now known that the reaction involves the oxidation of psilocybin and the formation of linked psilocybin oxidation products, resulting in the characteristic blue colour.
In summary, bluing is believed to influence the potency of psilocybin mushrooms by reducing the amount of active psilocin present. However, the loss of potency may not be significant, and other factors besides bluing also contribute to the overall potency of the mushrooms.
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Blue bruising is caused by the degradation of psilocin
Blue bruising, or bluing, is a natural process that occurs in psilocybin mushrooms. While the exact reason for this phenomenon is unknown, it is widely believed to be caused by the degradation of psilocin by enzymes within the mushroom's cells in response to oxidation. This occurs when mushrooms are exposed to oxygen, handled, or manipulated.
Psilocybin mushrooms are fungi that produce the psychotropic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. When the mushrooms are cut or bruised, they instantly develop a dark blue colour at the site of injury. This colour change is a result of the degradation of psilocin, which breaks down and oxidises to form blue products.
The process of blue bruising in psilocybin mushrooms involves a two-step cascade reaction. Firstly, the phosphatase PsiP removes the 4-O-phosphate group from psilocybin to yield psilocin. Secondly, the oxidising laccase PsiL oxidises the 4-hydroxy group of psilocin. This reaction leads to the formation of a heterogeneous mixture of psilocyl 3- to 13-mers, which are responsible for the blue colour.
The blue bruising in psilocybin mushrooms is believed to influence the potency of the mushrooms. As psilocin degrades and breaks down, the amount of active compound available to produce psychedelic effects upon consumption decreases. Therefore, the presence of more bluish bruising on the mushrooms indicates a higher degradation of psilocin and a lower potency. However, it is important to note that the loss of potency due to blue bruising is considered insignificant and may not be noticeable.
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Blue bruising is not a noticeable indicator of potency
Blue bruising on mushrooms is a result of oxidation, which does technically result in a loss of potency. However, this loss of potency is insignificant and not noticeable.
While it is true that the more bluish bruising on a mushroom, the more psilocin has degraded, and therefore the less active amount there is to produce psychedelic effects upon consumption, the amount required for blue to appear is very small. The mushrooms would have to be so blue that they are jet black for the loss of potency to be noticeable.
Furthermore, the presence of blue bruising is not always an indicator of potency in the first place. While some believe that more potent mushrooms develop blue bruising more easily than less potent ones, there are also several non-psychoactive strains of mushrooms that have been known to develop blue bruising. Additionally, some species of mushrooms that contain psilocybin do not bruise at all. Therefore, the absence of blue bruising does not necessarily indicate a lack of potency.
In conclusion, while blue bruising on mushrooms does technically result in a slight loss of potency due to oxidation, this loss of potency is not noticeable. Additionally, the presence or absence of blue bruising is not a reliable indicator of potency in the first place.
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The blue colour is caused by oxidised psilocybin
Psilocybin-producing mushrooms, or "magic mushrooms", are known to instantly develop a blue colour when injured or bruised. This phenomenon is called "bluing" and is a natural process that occurs in psilocybin mushrooms. While the exact mechanism behind the colour change remained elusive for decades, recent studies have shed light on the chemical processes involved.
The blue colour in injured or bruised magic mushrooms is caused by oxidised psilocybin. Specifically, when the mushrooms are cut or damaged, the compound psilocybin undergoes oxidative oligomerization, leading to the formation of blue products. This process involves two enzymes, PsiP and PsiL, which work together in a two-step cascade reaction. PsiP, a phosphatase, removes the 4-O-phosphate group from psilocybin to yield psilocin. PsiL then oxidizes the 4-hydroxy group of psilocin, resulting in the blue colour.
The oxidative process in magic mushrooms results in the formation of a heterogeneous mixture of compounds, primarily composed of psilocyl 3- to 13-mers. These compounds are oligomers, which are similar in structure to indigo, a well-known blue pigment used in dyeing. The blue colour in magic mushrooms is, therefore, a result of the oxidation of psilocybin and the subsequent formation of oligomerized psilocin.
While the blue colour is indeed an indication of oxidation and a slight loss of potency, it is important to note that this loss is considered insignificant. The amount of psilocybin required to produce a noticeable blue colour is very small, and the mushrooms would need to be extremely bruised or damaged to significantly impact their potency. Additionally, not all magic mushrooms that contain psilocybin will exhibit bluing, and the absence of blue colour does not necessarily indicate a lack of psilocybin.
In summary, the blue colour observed in injured or bruised magic mushrooms is a result of oxidised psilocybin and its conversion to oligomerized psilocin. However, this colour change does not necessarily indicate a significant loss of potency, and the presence or absence of bluing is not a reliable method for determining the potency of magic mushrooms.
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Blue bruising can be used to identify active mushrooms
Blue bruising can be used as a tool to identify active mushrooms. While it is not a completely reliable method, it can be useful when combined with other identification methods.
Mushrooms from the genus Psilocybe accumulate psilocybin, which makes them strongly hallucinogenic. Upon injury, these mushrooms instantly develop an intense blue colour, a phenomenon known as blue bruising or bluing. This colour change is believed to occur due to the presence of certain enzymes and the oxidation of psilocin, a compound derived from psilocybin.
The blue bruising reaction is not limited to hallucinogenic mushrooms, as several non-psychoactive strains also exhibit this behaviour. However, it is thought that the bluing in these mushrooms is a result of a different reaction involving distinct compounds. Additionally, some species of mushrooms that contain psilocybin do not show any bruising at all. Therefore, the absence of blue bruising does not necessarily indicate a lack of potency or the absence of psilocybin.
When identifying mushrooms through bruising, it is important to consider the timing of the colour change, the specific shade of blue, and the parts of the mushroom that stain. For example, a common rule for boletes is to avoid consuming those with a red pore surface that bruises blue, as many of these are toxic. It is also crucial to note that bruising alone is not a reliable indicator of a mushroom's edibility or potency. Combining bruising observations with other identification methods is essential for accurate mushroom identification.
In summary, blue bruising can provide insights into the presence of certain compounds and potential potency, but it should not be the sole method for identifying active mushrooms. It is important to employ multiple identification techniques and consider a range of characteristics to ensure accurate and safe mushroom identification.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, bluing means loss of potency, but it is not a noticeable loss. Bluing occurs when psilocybin breaks down and the amount required for the mushroom to appear blue is very small.
Bluing occurs when psilocybin breaks down and is oxidised. This breakdown is catalysed by a phosphatase enzyme, which removes a phosphate group from psilocybin to form psilocin.
The blue pigments are a complex mixture of linked psilocybin oxidation products, most of which are quinoid psilocyl oligomers. These compounds are structurally similar to indigo, a blue dye used for jeans.
No, not all mushrooms that contain psilocybin turn blue. Some species of mushrooms that have been confirmed to contain psilocybin do not bruise at all.
You can use a Q-tip test to determine whether your mushroom is bruised or contaminated. Simply wipe a fresh Q-tip across the affected area. If the blue colour rubs onto the Q-tip, then the mushroom is likely contaminated.
