Emma Wilson
Baeocystin is a chemical compound found in various organisms, including plants, fungi, and animals. It was discovered in 1967 by scientists Albert Leung and Ara Paul, who named it after the mushroom they isolated it from, Psilocybe baeocystis, commonly known as bluebells or olive caps. Baeocystin is present in all Psilocybe (psilocybin-containing) species and mushrooms of the genus Panaeolus and Copelandia. It is being evaluated for the possible treatment of pervasive developmental disorders like autism in children. However, it is important to note that baeocystin is also a psychedelic compound, and its effects on humans are not yet fully understood.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Baeocystin is a chemical compound belonging to the tryptamine family
- It was discovered in 1967 by scientists Albert Leung and Ara Paul
- It was isolated from the Psilocybe baeocystis mushroom
- It is being evaluated for the treatment of pervasive developmental disorders
- It has been reported to have hallucinogenic effects in humans
Baeocystin is a chemical compound belonging to the tryptamine family
Since its discovery, scientists have found traces of baeocystin in all Psilocybe (psilocybin-containing) species and mushrooms of the genus Panaeolus and Copelandia. Baeocystin is present in various Psilocybe cubensis species, the most common psychedelic mushrooms, including Treasure Coast Albino, B+, and Mazatapec.
Baeocystin is a naturally occurring psychoactive compound with a similar chemical structure to psilocybin, which is the primary psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms. It is believed to amplify the effects of psilocybin and may have psychoactive properties of its own. However, the importance of baeocystin in the overall effects of magic mushrooms is not yet fully understood and is currently being studied.
While baeocystin is not listed as a DEA-banned compound, psilocybin-containing mushrooms, which are the primary sources of baeocystin, are federally illegal in the United States, except in a few cities and states such as Oregon and Colorado.
There is limited data on the human pharmacology and effects of baeocystin in mushroom dosing. However, in his book "Magic Mushrooms Around the World," author and researcher Jochen Gartz reported that 4 mg of pure baeocystin caused a "gentle hallucinogenic experience." Mycologist Paul Stamets, on the other hand, reported that he tried 10 mg of pure baeocystin and did not experience hallucinogenic effects, but did observe pupil dilation and apparent anxiolysis. More research is needed to understand the effects of baeocystin in humans fully.
The Ultimate Guide to Preparing Lobster Mushrooms
You may want to see also
It was discovered in 1967 by scientists Albert Leung and Ara Paul
Baeocystin is a naturally occurring alkaloid (a psychoactive plant compound) with a similar chemical structure to psilocybin. It is primarily found in psilocybin-containing magic mushroom species. It was discovered in 1967 by scientists Albert Leung and Ara Paul, who named it after the mushroom they isolated it from: Psilocybe baeocystis (commonly known as "bluebells" or "olive caps"). Psilocybe baeocystis is a psychoactive mushroom species that grows primarily on the West Coast of North America.
Since its discovery, scientists have detected traces of baeocystin in all Psilocybe (psilocybin-containing) species and mushrooms of the genus Panaeolus and Copelandia. Among Psilocybe cubensis, the most common psychedelic mushrooms, baeocystin is present in species such as Treasure Coast Albino, B+, and Mazatapec.
Baeocystin is not listed as a DEA-banned compound, but psilocybin-containing mushrooms, which are the primary source of baeocystin, are federally illegal in the United States, except for in Oregon and Colorado. However, there is limited data on baeocystin's human pharmacology and effects, and scientists are still investigating its psychedelic potential.
Some studies have suggested that baeocystin may amplify psilocybin's effects in magic mushrooms and may have psychoactive properties of its own. For example, chemist and mycologist Jochen Gartz reported in the 1990s that 4 mg of baeocystin produced a "gentle hallucinogenic experience" with mild hallucinations for three hours. However, mycologist Paul Stamets has contradicted these findings, reporting that he experienced no hallucinogenic effects after ingesting 10 mg of pure baeocystin.
Baeocystin is currently being evaluated by Pilz Bioscience for the possible treatment of pervasive developmental disorders like autism in children.
Air-Drying Mushrooms: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
It was isolated from the Psilocybe baeocystis mushroom
Baeocystin is a chemical compound belonging to the tryptamine family, which are organic compounds found in various organisms, including plants, fungi, and animals. It was first discovered in 1967 by scientists Albert Leung and Ara Paul, who named it after the mushroom they isolated it from: Psilocybe baeocystis. This mushroom is commonly known as "bluebells" or "olive caps" and is a psychoactive species that grows primarily on the West Coast of North America.
Psilocybe baeocystis is a hemiboreal mushroom species commonly found throughout the Pacific Northwest. It often grows on ground bark, wood chips, peat moss, and decaying conifer mulch, and can also be found in lawns, pastures, and rarely in coniferous forests. The mushroom typically grows from August through December, and on rare occasions as early as the end of June.
The discovery of baeocystin in Psilocybe baeocystis led scientists to investigate other Psilocybe species, and they found traces of baeocystin in all Psilocybe (psilocybin-containing) species. Baeocystin has also been detected in mushrooms of the genus Panaeolus and Copelandia, including popular psychedelic mushrooms such as Psilocybe cubensis.
While baeocystin is not listed as a DEA-banned compound, it is important to note that psilocybin-containing mushrooms, which are the primary sources of baeocystin, are federally illegal in the United States. However, there are exceptions in certain cities and states, such as Oregon and Colorado, where magic mushrooms are not banned.
The effects of baeocystin have been a subject of interest, with some reports suggesting it has psychoactive properties similar to psilocybin. Chemist and mycologist Jochen Gartz reported that 4 mg of pure baeocystin produced a "gentle hallucinogenic experience" with mild hallucinations for three hours. However, mycologist Paul Stamets contradicted these findings, stating that he experienced no hallucinogenic effects after taking 10 mg of pure baeocystin, although he did observe pupil dilation and apparent anxiolysis. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of baeocystin in humans, and to determine its potential therapeutic benefits.
Best Spots to Farm Max Mushrooms
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is being evaluated for the treatment of pervasive developmental disorders
Baeocystin is a chemical compound belonging to the tryptamine family, which are organic compounds found in various organisms, including plants, fungi, and animals. It was first discovered in 1967 by scientists Albert Leung and Ara Paul, who named it after the mushroom they isolated it from: Psilocybe baeocystis (commonly known as "bluebells" or "olive caps"). This mushroom is a psychoactive species that grows primarily on the West Coast of North America.
Baeocystin is currently being evaluated by Pilz Bioscience for the possible treatment of pervasive developmental disorders like autism in children. The developmental code name for this research is PLZ-1019.
Baeocystin has been found to have psychoactive properties, and depending on the dosage, it can cause changes in thinking and cognition, such as increased creativity and introspection, as well as reduced fear and anxiety. It is also believed to amplify the effects of psilocybin when found in magic mushrooms. However, it is important to note that there is limited data on baeocystin's human pharmacology and effects, and more research is needed to understand its impact on humans fully.
While some reports suggest that baeocystin can cause hallucinogenic experiences, these findings have been disputed by others. Chemist and mycologist Jochen Gartz reported that 4 mg of pure baeocystin caused a "gentle hallucinogenic experience" with mild hallucinations for three hours. In contrast, mycologist Paul Stamets reported that he tried 10 mg of pure baeocystin and did not experience any hallucinogenic effects but did observe pupil dilation and apparent anxiolysis.
Multiple studies published in the 2020s found that baeocystin and norpsilocin were inactive in terms of hallucinogenic effects in rodents. These compounds did not produce the head-twitch response (HTR), a well-established behavioral proxy of psychedelic effects. One possibility for the lack of hallucinogenic effects is that baeocystin and related compounds may be biased agonists of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor and may not sufficiently activate the intracellular signaling cascades responsible for psychedelic effects.
Psychedelics: Shrooms vs Acid, Which is Stronger?
You may want to see also
It has been reported to have hallucinogenic effects in humans
Baeocystin is a naturally occurring psychoactive compound with a similar chemical structure to psilocybin. It is primarily found in psilocybin-containing magic mushroom species, such as Psilocybe baeocystis, commonly known as "bluebells" or "olive caps".
Mycologist Paul Stamets has contradicted Gartz's findings, reporting that he tried 10 mg of pure baeocystin and did not experience hallucinogenic effects, only pupil dilation and apparent anxiolysis. The reasons for the apparently non-hallucinogenic nature of baeocystin in humans remain unknown, but one possibility is that it may be a biased agonist of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, not sufficiently activating the intracellular signaling cascades responsible for psychedelic effects. A 2025 animal study supported this idea, finding that baeocystin has a very limited ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Despite the limited understanding of baeocystin's effects, it is being evaluated by Pilz Bioscience for the possible treatment of pervasive developmental disorders like autism in children. Additionally, a growing body of research indicates that psychoactive alkaloids like psilocybin can effectively treat disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, no human research has isolated baeocystin from other mushroom compounds to determine its individual influence, and the few anecdotal reports available often contradict each other.
Mellow Mushroom's Dough: Buy or Bake?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Baeocystin is a chemical compound found in certain mushrooms, plants, and animals. It is believed to have psychoactive properties, similar to psilocybin.
Baeocystin is reported to cause mild hallucinations, changes in thinking and cognition, and altered perception of time and space. It may also amplify the effects of psilocybin when consumed together.
Baeocystin is not listed as a DEA-banned compound. However, psilocybin-containing mushrooms, which are the primary source of baeocystin, are federally illegal in most places.
Baeocystin is currently being evaluated for its potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in treating pervasive developmental disorders like autism in children.
The effects of baeocystin are not yet fully understood, and more research is needed. In addition, the levels and effects of baeocystin may vary across different mushroom species, and there is limited data on its human pharmacology.
