norpsilocin

Norpsilocin, also known as 4-hydroxy-N-methyltryptamine (4-HO-NMT), is a member of the tryptamine chemical class. The name “nor” indicates demethylation relative to psilocin (4-HO-DMT), reflecting the presence of a single methyl group on the amine rather than two.

Chemically, norpsilocin has an indole core with a hydroxy group at the 4-position and a secondary amine bearing one methyl group, distinguishing it from psilocin’s dimethylamino group. As a 4-hydroxytryptamine, it is related to other psychoactive tryptamines but represents a lower-alkyl-substituted variant.

Occurrence and nomenclature in the literature are limited. Norpsilocin has appeared in some chemical and drug-monitoring references as a synthetic analogue of psilocin and, in some discussions, as a potential metabolite or related compound in the broader psilocybin/psilocin family. It is not widely cited as a naturally occurring substance in common sources.

Pharmacology and research status are not well established. Based on structural similarity to psilocin, norpsilocin is presumed to interact with serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, but there is limited experimental data on its potency, pharmacokinetics, duration of action, or subjective effects in humans. Consequently, detailed characterization of its activity remains sparse.

Safety and legal considerations follow the general pattern for substituted tryptamines, with status varying by jurisdiction. Due to the paucity of data on effects and risks, norpsilocin should be considered a compound of mainly academic interest rather than a validated therapeutic or consumer substance.