Scientists Discover Independent Evolution of Psilocybin in Mushrooms

Researchers from Germany have unveiled a remarkable instance of convergent evolution in fungi, revealing that various types of mushrooms have independently developed the ability to synthesize psilocybin, a well-known psychoactive compound. The study, led by Professor Dirk Hoffmeister and his team at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology and Friedrich Schiller University Jena, focused on the enzymatic pathways that enable this unique chemical production.

The investigation centered on fungal species from the genera Psilocybe and fiber cap mushrooms. Conducted in laboratories located in Jena and Innsbruck, the research pinpointed the distinct biochemical processes employed by these fungi to generate psilocybin. Findings from this study were published in the esteemed journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition on September 21, 2025.

Understanding the Evolution of Psilocybin

The study highlights that the evolution of psilocybin production occurred independently at least twice within these fungi. Despite the different species utilizing various enzymatic pathways, both the fiber cap mushrooms and Psilocybe species successfully produce psilocybin. This showcases nature’s capacity for diverse mechanisms leading to similar outcomes, a key aspect of convergent evolution.

Fiber cap mushrooms rely on a distinct set of biochemical tools compared to the Psilocybe species, which employ a more familiar set of enzymes for psilocybin synthesis. The ability of these unrelated fungi to synthesize the same compound demonstrates nature’s ingenuity in developing similar traits through different evolutionary paths.

The Ecological Role and Future Research

While the precise evolutionary advantages of psilocybin production remain unclear, researchers speculate that these mushrooms may serve as a chemical deterrent against predators. The study indicates that understanding these mechanisms could pave the way for advancements in the biotechnological production of psilocybin, as well as further exploration of its ecological role.

Future research will delve deeper into the biochemical processes behind psilocybin synthesis and its potential implications for both ecological systems and medical applications. This groundbreaking work not only illuminates the complexities of fungal evolution but also opens avenues for innovative biotechnological developments.