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Psilocybin and psilocin, two psychoactive components found in “magic mushrooms,” have therapeutic potential in a number of mental health disorders without the addictiveness and overdose risks found in other mind-altering drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamines and alcohol. Psychedelic mushrooms occur naturally, are wide distributed and easily accessible. The need for reviews and comprehensive field guides is urgent due to the recent surge of research into psychedelic mushrooms along with public interest. Psilocybin and psilocin are recorded in mushroom species of Psilocybe, Panaeolus, Pluteus, and Gymnopilus. This review discusses species identification, taxonomy and classification, available DNA sequence data and psychedelic species in Psilocybe, Panaeolus, Pluteus, and Gymnopilus, as well as similar looking genera that could be harmful.

Aims: To develop a simple and rapid genomic DNA extraction technique for dried (≈ 1 year old) mushroom fruiting bodies that yields high-quality DNA, suitable for use by post-graduate institutions. Method: Small amounts (0.04 g) of pulverized dried mushroom sample were incubated in a Tris /EDTA/SDS lysis buffer (100mM:10mM: 2%) at 65°C to lyse the chitinous fungal cell walls. Genomic DNA purification was performed using chloroform isoamyl alcohol (24:1), and DNA was precipitated using 100% ethanol. Results: Genomic DNA was successfully extracted under 70 minutes from 16 samples morphologically identified as Panaeolus, Copelandia, Gymnopilus, Pluteus and Favolus species. DNA concentrations were on average of 696.9ng/µL. PCR successfully amplified the ITS-5.8S region. The protocol has been successfully used by numerous post-graduate students in our research programme. Conclusion:The rapid and easy protocol produced high-quality genomic DNA void of any inhibitors that is suitable for downstream molecular implications across multiple mushroom genera. Noticeably, this method requires only minute quantities (0.04g) of starting material and is ideal for student training in higher academic institutions.

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