Emily Johnson
Blue juice is a term used to describe a drink made from mushrooms. The process involves placing mushrooms in water and ice, and then storing the mixture in a refrigerator. The mushrooms used in the process are often of the Psilocybe genus, which are also known as magic mushrooms. These mushrooms contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin, which is responsible for the hallucinogenic effects associated with their consumption. When bruised or cut, these mushrooms exhibit a distinctive blue discolouration, which is caused by a combination of psilocybin oxidation products, primarily composed of quinoid psilocyl oligomers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Mushroom | Psilocybe, or "magic mushrooms" |
| Colour | Dark blue |
| Cause of Colour Change | Oxidised psilocybin |
| Compound Responsible for Colour | Quinoid psilocyl oligomers |
| Compound Responsible for Hallucinogenic Effects | Psilocybin |
| Compound Responsible for Psychoactive Effects | Psilocin |
| Blue Juice Preparation Method | Soaking mushrooms in cold water, extracting, and freezing |
| Taste | Similar to "shroomies" in liquid form |
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What You'll Learn
Blue juice is a drink made from mushrooms
Magic mushrooms are known for their ability to instantly develop a blue coloration when they are cut or bruised. This phenomenon is called "blueing" and is caused by a two-step cascade reaction. The first step involves the removal of the phosphate group from psilocybin by the enzyme phosphatase, resulting in the formation of psilocin. The second step involves the oxidation of psilocin by the enzyme laccase, leading to the formation of psilocyl radicals. These radicals then combine to form C-5 coupled subunits, which further polymerize via C-7, resulting in the blue colour.
The process of making blue juice involves extracting the psilocybin and psilocin compounds from the mushrooms. This is achieved by soaking the mushrooms in cold water, as seen in one user's account where they mention having to salvage their mushrooms that got wet during travel. The extracted liquid, or blue juice, can then be consumed.
Some people who have tried making blue juice report that the taste is similar to "shroomies in liquid form". The effects of consuming blue juice are also reported to be smoother than ingesting the mushroom flesh, with one user planning to make a stronger batch next time. It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms and their extracts can lead to negative experiences, commonly known as "bad trips," and delayed headaches. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious and well-informed before consuming any substance with psychoactive properties.
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Magic mushrooms turn blue when bruised or cut
Magic mushrooms, or Psilocybe, are fungi that produce the psychotropic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. They are one of several species that instantly develop a blue coloration when they are cut or bruised. This phenomenon has long been known, but the chemical basis and mode of formation of the blue colouration have remained elusive until recently.
Upon injury, psychotropic psilocybin-producing mushrooms instantly develop an intense blue colour. This colour is caused by a two-step cascade reaction involving two enzymes from Psilocybe cubensis. The first enzyme, a phosphatase called PsiP, removes the 4-O-phosphate group from psilocybin to yield psilocin. The second enzyme, an oxidizing laccase called PsiL, then oxidizes the 4-hydroxy group of psilocin. This reaction was monitored using in situ 13C NMR spectroscopy, which indicated that the oxidative coupling of psilocyl residues occurs primarily via C-5.
The pigment responsible for the blue colour is a complex mixture of linked psilocybin oxidation products, most of which are quinoid psilocyl oligomers. These compounds share structural similarities with indigo, a deep blue pigment used to dye jeans. The blue colour may serve a protective role, acting as an on-demand repellent against predators. The compounds may produce reactive oxygen species, which are toxic to insects that nibble on the mushrooms.
The discovery of the chemical basis of the blue colouration in magic mushrooms has important implications for the potential therapeutic use of psilocybin. While psilocybin is often viewed as an illegal, recreational drug, it has shown promise as a medication for therapy-resistant depression. The understanding of the chemistry behind the blue discoloration of magic mushrooms contributes to the growing body of knowledge about these fungi and their potential benefits and risks.
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The blue colour is caused by oxidised psilocybin
Psilocybe, or "magic mushrooms", are fungi that produce the psychotropic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. They are one of several species that instantly develop a blue colour when they are cut, bruised, or injured. This phenomenon is known as the "blueing reaction".
The blue colour of the mushrooms is caused by oxidised psilocybin. While the exact chemical basis and mode of formation remain elusive, research has shown that the oxidation of psilocybin leads to the development of blue pigments. This occurs through a two-step cascade reaction involving the enzymes PsiP and PsiL.
PsiP, a phosphatase, removes the 4-O-phosphate group from psilocybin, converting it into psilocin. PsiL, an oxidising laccase, then oxidises the 4-hydroxy group, leading to the formation of psilocyl radicals. These psilocyl radicals combine to form C-5 coupled subunits and further polymerise via C-7.
The pigment is not a single compound but a complex mixture of linked psilocybin oxidation products, mainly quinoid psilocyl oligomers. These compounds share structural similarities with indigo, a deep blue pigment used in dyeing. The oxidation of psilocybin and the subsequent formation of these blue pigments are well-documented in species such as Psilocybe cubensis.
While the exact function of the blue pigments is not yet fully understood, researchers have hypothesised that they may serve a protective role. The compounds could potentially produce reactive oxygen species that are toxic to insects attempting to feed on the mushrooms. This protective mechanism may be reversible, as the presence of certain reducing agents can discolour the blue matter, but it returns to its blue state upon re-oxidation.
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The blue pigment is a mixture of psilocybin oxidation products
Magic mushrooms, or Psilocybe, are fungi that produce the psychotropic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. They are one of several species that instantly develop a blue coloration when they are cut, bruised, or injured. The blue pigment is a mixture of psilocybin oxidation products.
The pigment is not just a single compound but a complex mixture of linked psilocybin oxidation products. Most of them are quinoid psilocyl oligomers – compounds not unlike indigo, a deep blue pigment used to dye jeans. The lead author of the study, Claudius Lenz, states that " [t]he blue compounds and indigo] share structural similarities in the indole core, and in both the basis for the colour is a quinoid".
All six mushroom pigments identified by the team 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 pigment's function remains unknown. However, Hoffmeister hypothesises that it might serve a protective role, acting as an on-demand repellent against predators. The compounds may produce reactive oxygen species, which are toxic to insects that nibble on the mushrooms.
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Blue juice can be made from dried or fresh mushrooms
Blue juice is a drink made from mushrooms. It is often associated with "magic mushrooms" or Psilocybe—fungi that produce the psychotropic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. These mushrooms are known for their ability to induce hallucinations and altered states of consciousness.
The process of making blue juice involves extracting the compounds from dried or fresh mushrooms. In one instance, an individual placed 50 grams of fresh mushroom cubes with about 12 ice cubes in a jug and left it in the fridge. The ratio of ice to water to mushrooms is essential, and one may need to adjust it based on the desired brew.
The blue colour in the juice is a result of the oxidation of psilocybin, which creates a complex mixture of linked psilocybin oxidation products, mainly quinoid psilocyl oligomers. This reaction is triggered when the mushrooms are injured, such as by cutting or bruising, and it instantly develops an intense blue colour.
The taste of blue juice has been described as similar to "shroomies in liquid form." The effects of consuming blue juice are expected to be similar to ingesting the mushrooms directly, although some report a smoother "come up." It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms can lead to negative experiences, commonly known as "bad trips," which can be influenced by one's state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, and the environment in which the drug is consumed.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue juice mushroom is a nickname for "magic mushrooms" or mushrooms from the genus Psilocybe that turn blue when they are cut or bruised.
The blue colour is caused by a combination of psilocybin and its oxidation products. The oxidation of psilocybin was previously known to be the cause of the blue colour, but the exact nature of the pigment and the biochemical pathway producing it were unknown.
The exact effect of the blue pigment is still unknown. However, it is hypothesised that it may serve a protective role, acting as a repellent against predators.
