N-Methyl-serotonin hydrogen oxalate

The solid-state structure of N-methyl-serotonin {systematic name: [2-(5-hy-droxy-1H-indol-3-yl)eth-yl](meth-yl)aza-nium hydrogen oxalate}, C₁₁H₁₅N₂O⁺·C₂HO₄ ^-, is reported. The structure possesses a singly protonated N-methylserotonin cation and one hydrogen oxalate anion in the asymmetric unit. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯O and O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network.

Migraine drugs

According to recent studies, migraine affects more than 1 billion people worldwide, making it one of the world’s most prevalent diseases. Although this highly debilitating illness has been known since ancient times, the first therapeutic drugs to treat migraine, ergotamine (Gynergen) and dihydroergotamine (Dihydergot), did not appear on the market until 1921 and 1946, respectively. Both drugs originated from Sandoz, the world’s leading pharmaceutical company in ergot alkaloid research at the time. Historically, ergot alkaloids had been primarily used in obstetrics, but with methysergide (1-methyl-lysergic acid 1′-hydroxy-butyl-(2S)-amide), it became apparent that they also held some potential in migraine treatment. Methysergide was the first effective prophylactic drug developed specifically to prevent migraine attacks in 1959. On the basis of significantly improved knowledge of migraine pathophysiology and the discovery of serotonin and its receptors, Glaxo was able to launch sumatriptan in 1992. It was the first member from the class of triptans, which are selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists. Recent innovations in acute and preventive migraine therapy include lasmiditan, a selective 5-HT1F receptor agonist from Eli Lilly, the gepants, which are calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists discovered at Merck & Co and BMS, and anti-CGRP/receptor monoclonal antibodies from Amgen, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and others.

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A Review of Synthetic Access to Therapeutic Compounds Extracted from Psilocybe

Psychedelics are used for various pathologies of the central nervous system and are currently the subject of much research, some of which relates to the compounds contained in various Psilocybe-type hallucinogenic mushrooms. It is difficult, however, to obtain and purify sufficient quantities of these compounds from fungi to carry out biological studies, hence the need to develop simple and efficient synthetic routes. We review here the various syntheses used to obtain these molecules, focusing first on the classic historical syntheses, then the use of more recent metallo-catalyzed couplings and finally the known biocatalytic methods for obtaining these molecules. Other access routes are certainly possible and should be the subject of future research given the therapeutic interest of these compounds.

Isolation and structural elucidation of a novel brunnein-type antioxidant β-carboline alkaloid from Cyclocybe cylindracea

Effect-directed isolation of free radical scavengers from the methanol extract of the freeze-dried fruiting bodies of the cultivated basidiomycetous mushroom, black poplar (Cyclocybe cylindracea), yielded a β-carboline alkaloid. Its structure was determined based on ESI-TOF-MS/MS, NMR and circular dichroism spectra by comparison with published data. The compound, identified as the C1-S diastereomer of brunnein B, exhibited explicit radical scavenging activity (EC₅₀ = 119.1 ± 1.2 μg/mL). The quantity of the active component was determined with HPLC-MS in the fruiting body (36.2 ± 2.8 ng/g DW, dry weight) and its different tissues such as peel (94.7 ± 1.9 ng/g DW), inner cap (90.5 ± 1.3 ng/g DW), gills (71.5 ± 0.6 ng/g DW), and stipe (162.2 ± 1.7 ng/g DW). It is a β-carboline alkaloid that was not reported previously.

Production Options for Psilocybin: Making of the Magic

The fungal genus Psilocybe and other genera comprise numerous mushroom species that biosynthesize psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine). It represents the prodrug to its dephosphorylated psychotropic analogue, psilocin. The colloquial term "magic mushrooms" for these fungi alludes to their hallucinogenic effects and to their use as recreational drugs. However, clinical trials have recognized psilocybin as a valuable candidate to be developed into a medication against depression and anxiety. We here highlight its recently elucidated biosynthesis, the concurrently developed concept of enzymatic in vitro and heterologous in vivo production, along with previous synthetic routes. The prospect of psilocybin as a promising therapeutic may entail an increased demand, which can be met by biotechnological production. Therefore, we also briefly touch on psilocybin's therapeutic relevance and pharmacology.

Concise Synthesis of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine Starting with Bufotenine from Brazilian Anadenanthera ssp

Bufotenine (1, 5-hydroxy- N,N-dimethyltryptamine) was isolated from seeds of Anadenanthera spp., a tree widespread in the Brazilian cerrado, using an efficient acid-base shakeout protocol. The conversion of bufotenine into N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4) and 5-methoxy- N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5) was accomplished through an innovative and short approach featuring the use of novel bufotenine-aminoborane complex (7). Furthermore, an easy methodology for conversion of bufotenine into 5-hydroxy -N,N,N-trimethyltryptamine (6) was well-established. This is the first study that highlights bufotenine as a resource for the production of N, N-dimethyltryptamines for either pharmacological and toxicological investigations or for synthetic purposes.

Some new psychoactive substances: precursor chemicals and synthesis-driven end-products

This paper describes some of the new classes of 'designer drugs' being encountered today by forensic scientists and law enforcement agencies in Europe, the United States, and Australia. In particular, it concentrates on new cathinone derivatives, the tryptamines, new-generation phenethylamines, and some of the synthetic cannabinoids. The synthetic approaches towards many of these designer drugs including a discussion of the chemical precursors used in the syntheses are presented. Many of today's so-called designer drugs exist as a result of legitimate research into medical conditions and the natural product chemistry. A link between synthetic approaches published in the open scientific and medical literature and the exploitation of this research by clandestine manufacture of drugs for illicit purposes is drawn.

Preparation of the 4-hydroxytryptamine scaffold via palladium-catalyzed cyclization: a practical and versatile synthesis of psilocin

[reaction: see text] The 4-hydroxytryptamine scaffold of psilocin was successfully prepared via palladium-catalyzed cyclization of protected N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-2-iodo-3-methoxyaniline and an appropriately substituted silyl acetylene. Removal of the protecting groups afforded psilocin in good yield.

Synthetic studies of psilocin analogs having either a formyl group or bromine atom at the 5- or 7-position

Psilocin analogs having either a formyl group (9-12) or a bromine atom (13-18) at the 5- or 7-position have been prepared for the first time. Syntheses of 5- and 7-bromo derivatives of 4-hydroxy- (23, 24, 28) and 4-benzyloxyindole-3-carbaldehyde (19, 25, 29, 30), 4-benzyloxyindole-3-acetonitriles (20, 31), and 4-benzyloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (32, 34, 35) have also been established.

The chemistry of indoles. CVII. A novel synthesis of 3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-7-hydroxy-1H-azepino[5,4,3-cd]indoles and a new finding on Pictet-Spengler reaction

Serotonins were found to produce 3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-7-hydroxy-1H-azepino[5,4,3-cd]indoles by simple heating with amines under an oxygen atmosphere. Serotonins also reacted with various aldehydes to provide 3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-7-hydroxy-1H-azepino[5,4,3-cd]indoles rather than beta-carbolines under basic conditions. In these novel reactions, the presence of the 5-hydroxy group on the indole nucleus was suggested to be essential. Possible mechanisms are discussed.

Pharmañopo-psychonautics: human intranasal, sublingual, intrarectal, pulmonary and oral pharmacology of bufotenine

Summarized are psychonautic bioassays (human self-experiments) of pharmañopo--crystalline bufotenine (5-HO-DMT; 5-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine; dimethylserotonine), at times combined with harmaline or harmine-via intranasal, sublingual, intrarectal, pulmonary (inhaled vapor) and oral routes. This is done by way of pharmacological modeling of diverse South American shamanic inebriants, principally the snuffs ñopolyopo and cebílhaáj, prepared from seeds of Anadenanthera peregrina var. peregrina and A. colubrina var. Cebil, respectively. Psychoptic (visionary) activity of bufotenine has been established and the 1967 Holmstedt-Lindgren hypothesis of the paricá effect-intranasal potentiation of tryptamines by concomitant administration of monoamine-oxidase-inhibiting (MAOI) beta-carbolines from stems of Banisteriopsis caapi admixed with the snuffs-has been confirmed by 25 psychonautic bioassays. Salient phytochemical and psychonautic literature is reviewed, and isolation of bufotenine from Anadenanthera seeds detailed (with one table and eight references).

The chemistry of indoles. CIII. Simple syntheses of serotonin, N-methylserotonin, bufotenine, 5-methoxy-N-methyltryptamine, bufobutanoic acid, N-(indol-3-yl)methyl-5-methoxy-N-methyltryptamine, and lespedamine based on 1-hydroxyindole chemistry

Application of regioselective nucleophilic substitution reactions of 1-hydroxytryptamines to novel and simple syntheses of serotonin (1a), N-methylserotonin (1b), bufotenine (1c), 5-methoxy-N-methyltryptamine (2a), bufobutanoic acid (3a), N-(indol-3-yl)methyl-5-methoxy-N-methyltryptamine (4), and lespedamine (5) are described. Effective syntheses of 5-benzyloxytryptamine and 1-methoxy-2-oxindoles are also reported.

Actions of some analogues of 5-hydroxytryptamine on the isolated rat uterus and the rat fundus strip preparations

The search for substances which antagonize 5-hydroxytryptamine, and for those which act like it, has been extended to cover 5-substituted indoles which are analogues of 5-hydroxytryptamine, rather than analogues of tryptamine like the compounds previously studied by us. The isolated rat uterus and rat fundus strip preparations have been used to determine activity. The relationships between structure and activity of the compounds studied were not the same on the two preparations nor were they the same from one homologous series to another. These differences may be partly explained by the presence of amine oxidase in the rat fundus, as Vane (1959) has suggested, and by supposing that it is absent from the rat uterus. None of the compounds had marked antagonist activity. The most active antagonist on the rat uterus was 3-(2-aminopropyl)-5-benzyloxyindole, but this was less potent than 5-benzyloxygramine. On the rat fundus strip, however, the only antagonist, 5-benzyloxy-3-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)indole, was more active than 5-benzyloxygramine. On both preparations the most active stimulant was 3-(2-aminopropyl)-5-benzyloxyindole, which was about half as potent as 5-hydroxytryptamine. The next most active were 3-(2-aminopropyl)-5-methoxyindole and bufotenine.

Determination of psilocin and 4-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid in plasma by HPLC-ECD and pharmacokinetic profiles of oral and intravenous psilocybin in man

In order to investigate the pharmacokinetic properties of psilocybin (PY), the main psychoactive compound of Psilocybe mushrooms, high performance liquid chromatographic procedures with column-switching coupled with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) for reliable quantitative determination of the PY metabolites psilocin (PI) and 4-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (4HIAA) in human plasma were established. Sample work-up includes protection of the highly unstable phenolic analytes with ascorbic acid, freeze-drying and in-vitro microdialysis. The data of two controlled clinical studies with healthy volunteers are presented. The subjects (N = 6 for both studies) received single oral PY doses of 0.224 +/- 0.02 mg/kg b.wt. (10-20 mg) and intravenous doses of 1 mg PY, respectively. Peak plasma levels of PI after oral administration of PY were measured after 105 +/- 37 min showing an average concentration of 8.2 +/- 2.8 ng PI/ml plasma. 4HIAA peak concentrations of 150 +/- 61 ng/ml plasma were found 113 +/- 41 min after ingestion of PY. After intravenous administration, a mean PI maximum plasma concentration of 12.9 +/- 5.6 ng/ml plasma was found 1.9 +/- 1.0 min after injection. The maximum plasma levels appearing within a very short period indicate a rapid dephosphorylation of PY also when administered systemically. 4HIAA was not detected after 1 mg of intravenous PY. Estimates for the absolute bioavailability of PI after oral administration of PY were 52.7 +/- 20% (N = 3).

Bufo toads and bufotenine: fact and fiction surrounding an alleged psychedelic

This paper investigates the supposedly psychedelic Bufo toad and the allegedly psychedelic drug bufotenine, which is contained in the skin and glands of this toad. The bufo toad has held a place in human mythologies and medicines worldwide since archaic times. Used by ancient peoples for a variety of purposes, its most spectacular effects, according to lore, involve magical and shamanic or occult uses for casting spells and for divination. In the Middle Ages, the Bufo toad was celebrated as a panacea and persecuted as a powerful poison. More recently, in the 1960s the Bufo toad was resurrected as a countercultural icon, with people purportedly licking or smoking the secretions to get high. Bufotenine has been at the center of a scientific debate since its discovery in 1893. This paper examines the extensive literature surrounding the Bufo toad and bufotenine, and untangles many of the myths and the misinformation that continue to vex both science and popular reporting. Finally, to promote further investigation, a comprehensive bibliography is provided that charts the history of the Bufo toad and bufotenine.

Interaction of human placental ribonuclease with placental ribonuclease inhibitor

The interactions of human placental ribonuclease inhibitor (PRI) with bovine pancreatic ribonuclease (RNase) A and human angiogenin, a plasma protein that induces blood vessel formation, have been characterized in detail in earlier studies. However, studies on the interaction of PRI with the RNase(s) indigenous to placenta have not been performed previously, nor have any placental RNases been identified. In the present work, the major human placental RNase (PR) was purified to homogeneity by a five-step procedure and was obtained in a yield of 110 micrograms/kg of tissue. The placental content of angiogenin was also examined and was found to be at least 10-fold lower than that of PR. On the basis of its amino acid composition, amino-terminal sequence, and catalytic properties, PR appears to be identical with an RNase previously isolated from eosinophils (eosinophil-derived neurotoxin), liver, and urine. The apparent second-order rate constant of association for the PR.PRI complex, measured by examining the competition between PR and angiogenin for PRI, is 1.9 X 10(8) M-1 s-1. The rate constant for dissociation of the complex, determined by HPLC measurement of the rate of release of PR from its complex with PRI in the presence of a scavenger for free PRI, is 1.8 X 10(-7) s-1. Thus the Ki value for the PR.PRI complex is 9 X 10(-16) M, similar to that obtained with angiogenin, and 40-fold lower than that measured with RNase A. Complex formation causes a small red shift in the protein fluorescence emission spectrum, with no significant change in overall intensity. The fluorescence quantum yield of PR and the Stern-Volmer constant for fluorescence quenching by acrylamide are both high, possibly due to the presence of an unusual posttranslationally modified tryptophan residue at position 7 in the primary sequence.

Studies on the biotransformation of indoramin in the patas monkey

1. Studies on absorption, excretion and biotransformation of the antihypertensive agent indoramin (3-[2-(4-benzamidopiperidino)ethyl]indole hydrochloride) have been carried out in patas monkeys. 2. Absorption of the drug was extensive, as indicated by less than 8% of the dose appearing in faeces as the unchanged compound. 3. Approx. 35% of an orally administered dose of the 3H-labelled drug was recovered in urine while a similar amount was found in faeces. Urinary excretion of total 3H was mono-exponential with a half-life of 17 h. 4. Biotransformation was extensive, the unchanged drug constituting less than 4.5% of the urinary metabolites. The principal identified metabolites were a sulphate conjugate of 3-[2-(4-benzamidopiperidine)ethyl]indol-6-ol and an acid-labile conjugate of the parent drug. A minor metabolite resulting from N-dealkylation of the drug was identified as 4-benzamidopiperidine. Small amounts of 3-[2-(4-[4-hydroxybenzamido]piperidino)-ethyl]indole were found in a dichloromethane extract of acid-hydrolysed urine. 5. The faeces contained only negligible amounts of conjugated metabolites. The principal components were the indole-6-hydroxylated derivative of the parent drug with smaller amounts of the 5-hydroxylated compound and the unchanged compound.

Infrared identification of some hallucinogenic derivatives of tryptamine and amphetamine

The use of infrared spectroscopy for the identification of psychotomimetic derivatives of amphetamine and tryptamine is discussed. Numerous characteristic absorptions are assigned on the basis of spectra recorded from 123 bases and salts. These permit the recognition of compounds of these types even when no reference materials or spectra are available. Distinction between the spectra of optically active and racemic forms of some amphetamine derivatives is also possible.