Re:Researchers unravel the biosynthesis of psilocybin
by std_throwaway on Tuesday August 15, 2017 @04:29AM
(#15016428)
Our body already has this ability but does not use it often.
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Re:Researchers unravel the biosynthesis of psilocybin
by mirimir on Tuesday August 15, 2017 @04:48AM
(#15016488)
I'm sure that our bodies produce molecules that interact with the same receptors that psilocybin does. But that doesn't mean that our bodies produce psilocybin.
Re:Researchers unravel the biosynthesis of psilocybin
by CuriouslyC on Tuesday August 15, 2017 @09:38AM
(#15018040)
Psilocin is 4-hydroxy-DMT, and psilocybin is just phosphorylated psilocin. DMT is itself just dimethyl tryptamine, which is a modified serotonin. Serotonin itself is itself just modified tryptophan (without the hydroxyl group). The body produces small amounts of DMT naturally, I wouldn't be surprised if that is also the case for Psilocybin. Biochemistry is messy and small amounts of many "unintended" products are created.
Re:Researchers unravel the biosynthesis of psilocybin
by code_duck on Tuesday August 15, 2017 @09:29AM
(#15017984)
Of course... serotonin.
Re:Researchers unravel the biosynthesis of psilocybin
by feelix on Tuesday August 15, 2017 @07:59AM
(#15017348)
can you elaborate on that?
Re:Researchers unravel the biosynthesis of psilocybin
by mdahlstrand on Tuesday August 15, 2017 @12:26PM
(#15019660)
I'm guessing it's the production of DMT (similar to psilocybin and LSD) by the pineal gland that is being referred to. IIRC there's still a debate about whether it can cross the blood-brain barrier, but it seems quite likely. Ostensibly it's produced at birth and at death.
Please excuse the lack of sources, but the book The Spirit Molecule kickstarted this line of thought if you're interested in learning more.