Psilocin
The active metabolite of psilocybin and the compound directly responsible for psychedelic effects.
Psilocin is the active metabolite of psilocybin and the compound directly responsible for the psychedelic effects of magic mushrooms. Chemically, it is 4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine — psilocybin without its phosphate group.
Psilocin is structurally similar to serotonin, the neurotransmitter, and binds with high affinity to serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. This binding triggers a cascade of downstream effects on neural network organization, perception, and self-referential cognition.
Psilocin is unstable in air and oxidizes rapidly, which is why mushroom tissue containing psilocin turns blue when bruised. This blue bruising is a key identification character of psilocybin-containing fungi.
Psilocin has a shorter half-life than psilocybin in the body. Most clinical research uses psilocybin (the more stable prodrug) rather than psilocin directly.