Psilocybin is a naturally occurring alkaloid, pharmacologically similar to the classic hallucinogen lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Although primarily used as a recreational drug or an entheogen in particular cultural settings, recent population based studies have shown that it does not lead to serious physical or mental health problems or dependent use. In view of recent work demonstrating p...

An improved procedure to accomplish the O-phosphorylation of 4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (psilocin 5) is reported that utilizes reaction between the O-lithium salt of 5 and tetra-Obenzylpyrophosphate. The O-benzyl groups were removed by catalytic hydrogenation over palladium on carbon to afford N,N-dimethyl-4-phosphoryloxytryptamine (psilocybin, 1). In view of difficulties encountered in t...

Despite reports of apparent benefits, social and political pressure beginning in the late 1960s effectively banned scientific inquiry into psychedelic substances. Covert examination of psychedelics persisted through the 1990s; the turn of the century and especially the past 10 years, however, has seen a resurgent interest in psychedelic substances (eg, LSD, ayahuasca, psilocybin). This chapter ...

Introduction Substance use disorders(SUDs) are a major health concern and current treatment interventions have proven only limited success. Despite increasing effectiveness, still about 50–60% relapse within 6–12 months after [Cornelius et al ., Addict Behav. 2003;28 381-386]. SUDs defined as chronic disorders of brain reward system, motivation, memory processes that gone awry. Medication reduc...