Dephosphorylation of Psilocybin to Psilocin by Alkaline Phosphatase

SummaryIncubation of psilocybin with purified intestinal phosphatase resulted in liberation of psilocin and inorganic phosphate. Psilocin formed was determined both quantitatively by a specific colorimetric method employing the nitrosonaphthol reagent and qualitatively by paper chromatography. Some characteristics of the phosphatase action on psilocybin are described. The possibility of a similar reaction occurring in the intact animal is discussed.