Forensic analysis of hallucinogenic mushrooms and khat (Catha edulisForsk) using cation-exchange liquid chromatography.
Abstract
Hallucinogenic mushrooms (e.g. Psilocybe and Panaeolus species) as well as leaves and young shoots of the khat tree (Catha edulis Forsk) are illicit drugs in many countries. The exact concentration of the hallucinogenic alkaloids psilocin and psilocybin in mushrooms and the sympathomimetic alkaloids cathinone and cathine in khat is usually essential for jurisdiction. Facing an increasing number of mushroom and khat seizures by German customs authorities, a convenient comprehensive quantitative HPLC method based on cation-exchange liquid chromatography for these rather "exotic" drugs has been developed which avoids time-consuming multi-step sample preparation or chemical derivatization procedures. Using this method a number of different hallucinogenic fungi species and products that are mainly distributed via the internet have been analysed (dried and fresh Psilocybe cubensis Singer as well as P. cubensis collected from "grow boxes", Panaeolus cyanescens Berkeley and Broome and so-called "philosopher stones" (sclerotia of Psilocybe species)). Highest total amounts of psilocin have been detected in dried P. cyanescens reaching up to 3.00+/-0.24 mg per 100 mg. The distribution of khat alkaloids in different parts of the khat shoots has been studied. High concentrations of cathinone have not only been detected in leaves but also in green parts and barks of stalks. Additionally, the sample treatment for fresh mushroom and khat samples has been optimised. Highest amounts of alkaloids were found when fresh material was freeze-dried.
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The German Central Customs Authority determined the contents of psilocin and psilocybin after freeze-drying the truffles using a previously described HPLC method.
“The German Central Customs Authority determined the contents of psilocin and psilocybin after freeze-drying the truffles using a previously described HPLC method (66).”
From Decreases in State and Trait Anxiety Post-psilocybin: A Naturalistic, Observational Study Among Retreat Attendees (2022) · cites this paper as [66]
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- Authors
- Laussmann, T., & Meier-Giebing, S.
- Corresponding author
- Laussmann, Tim
- ORCID
- Laussmann, Tim
- Venue
- Forensic Science International
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2010-02
- Volume
- 195
- Issue
- 1-3
- Pages
- 160-164
- ISSN
- 0379-0738 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2067074477
- Cited by
- 56
- References
- 18
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 1 · 2013: 8 · 2012: 5
- FWCI
- 6.41
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Forensic Science International (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics › Toxicology › Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychedelics and Drug Studies
- Physical Sciences › Chemistry › Analytical Chemistry › Analytical Methods in Pharmaceuticals
- Keywords
- hallucinogenic mushrooms, khat, psilocybin, psilocin, cathinone, cathine, Psilocybe cubensis, philosopher's stone, sclerotia, illicit drug analysis, drug seizures, sample preparation, freeze-drying
- MeSH terms
- Agaricales, Alkaloids, Central Nervous System Stimulants, Chromatography, Liquid, Desiccation, Freeze Drying, Hallucinogens, Phenylpropanolamine, Psilocybin, Illicit Drugs, Plant Structures, Catha, Forensic Toxicology, Limit of Detection
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