Fungal Fragrance: The Volatile Chemistry of Psilocybe sect. Zapotecorum NZ02. Preliminary aromatic profile
The chemistry of psychedelic fungi extends far beyond psilocybin. Here we present a preliminary aromatic analysis of NZ02, a recently discovered species in Psilocybe section zapotecorum originating from New Zealand. This strain was cultivated on coco coir and subjected to volatile extraction using heptane, revealing a distinctive chemical fingerprint with both ecological significance and a surprisingly rich fragrance profile.The resulting extract displayed a complex aroma floral, woody, creamy, nutty, and mildly astringent. One external description likened the scent to cinnamon.
Volatile and semi-volatile compounds were identified via GC-MS by Tryptomics. Detected compounds included linalool, ethanone (acetophenone), phthalic acid, 4-coumaryl alcohol, and trans-benzalacetone. Linalool was the only true terpene present and contributed a floral, woody, slightly citrus scent. Ethanone provided a sharp, sweet odor, likely responsible for the astringent brightness. Phthalic acid was confirmed. Though non-aromatic, it may function as a fixative or carrier for other volatile compounds.
4-coumaryl alcohol offered a floral, cinnamon like scent. Trans-benzalacetone, presents a creamy, coumarin like aroma and may have contributed to the coconut like component in the scent profile.
Each of these compounds is associated with ecological functions observed across fungi and plants. Linalool has documented antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and insecticidal properties. Acetophenone is a common volatile in fruits, flowers, and fungi, with both antimicrobial and insect-modulating effects. Phthalic acid displays antibacterial and antifungal activity and may act as a defense compound or disruptor of insect development. Phthalic acid and its esters are found in Penicillium and Fusarium and are thought to be produced primarily for antimicrobial defense, insect deterrence or developmental interference, competitive chemical suppression of plants and other fungi (allelopathy), or secondary byproducts of aromatic metabolism possibly as overflow metabolites under stress. 4-coumaryl alcohol is a UV protectant and a biosynthetic precursor to pigments and lignin as well as lignin like molecules. It may also regulate stress responses and contributes antimicrobial activity. Trans-benzalacetone strongly absorbs UV, functions as a pigment precursor, and has documented antimicrobial effects.
This early profile suggests that NZ02 expresses a suite of secondary metabolites consistent with active antimicrobial defense, insect interaction, photoprotection, and oxidative stress regulation. The detection of coumaryl alcohol and benzalacetone hints at possible flavonoid or phenylpropanoid like biosynthesis pathways.
It’s worth noting that this extraction likely underrepresents the strain’s full volatile complexity, as some compounds were likely lost during processing. Further analyses using better techniques are planned, along with comparative profiling of other section Zapotecorum species.
Scent Summary
Linalool - Floral, woody, slight citrus. Likely source of the floral and woodsy base.
Ethanone (acetophenone) - Sharp, sweet. Likely responsible for the fresh, astringent note.
Phthalic acid - Non-aromatic. Likely acts as a fixative or stabilizer for aromatic compounds.
4-Coumaryl alcohol - Floral, sweet, cinnamon. Likely source of the cinnamon impression.
Trans-benzalacetone - Creamy, coumarin, sweet. Possibly responsible for the coconut notes.
Further profiling and improved volatile capture are underway. Stay tuned for updates on additional aromatic analysis and emerging insights into fungal biology and chemistry.