Psilocybin mushrooms, similar to LSD in how they interact with the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, are a traditional form of psychedelic. Current research is exploring the potential of psilocybin-assisted therapy for mental health disorders. These include the emotional distress from severe depression, anxiety, cluster headaches, and migraines.
Understanding how shrooms can alleviate these conditions requires an exploration of their metabolic process. This knowledge enables researchers and users to comprehend how the active compound in shrooms triggers psychological and therapeutic effects. This article offers a basic overview of psilocybin’s pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.
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Key Takeaways:
- Half of the ingested psychedelic fungi is absorbed and spread throughout the body.
- The fungi compound is dephosphorylated by the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, predominantly in the liver.
- Around 3.4% of the compound is excreted in its original form within 24 hours, while most of it is eliminated as a stable metabolite.
What is Pharmacokinetics?
Pharmacokinetics (PK) is the scientific study of how the body processes substances like drugs after they are consumed. While distinct, it is related to pharmacodynamics, which focuses on how a compound interacts with the body. PK primarily concerns itself with four areas: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
Comprehending these processes enables healthcare providers to prescribe the most effective medications with the least risk. It also allows them to customize treatments to the individual physiology and lifestyle of each patient.
How Does Pharmacokinetics Relate to Psilocybin?
Psilocybin and psilocin, the primary active compounds in certain species of magic mushrooms, have sparked significant curiosity among researchers and users. Pharmacokinetics studies how the body manages mushrooms containing psilocybin, which aids in understanding their potential effects, whether medicinal or recreational.
These compounds, often referred to as “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred,” are found in mushrooms. The mushrooms containing these compounds are typically consumed, and the Different mushroom species, their origins, sizes, growth and drying conditions, and age can significantly affect their concentration levels.
Even though these mushrooms naturally grow in the wild, scientists have found ways to create them synthetically in a lab. Both natural and lab-grown versions exhibit low toxicity, though they might induce minor side effects like nausea or vomiting.
Despite these minor physical effects, the mushrooms’ compounds have demonstrated potential therapeutic benefits due to their safety and non-addictive properties. This potential has motivated researchers to explore their use in psychotherapy, specifically for treating anxiety and depression.
The 4 Phases of Pharmacokinetics
Psilocybin, the compound found in these mushrooms, doesn’t have any effect in its original form and acts as a prodrug. It transforms into its active form, psilocin, with the help of enzymes like alkaline phosphatase. This transformation allows for the absorption and distribution of psilocin throughout the body, reaching various tissues. However, after oral consumption, psilocybin is not traceable in the circulatory system, feces, or urine.
Absorption
Absorption is the process by which the compound enters the bloodstream from the site of administration. It impacts the speed and effectiveness of how the compound reaches its target, such as plasma. Oral consumption is the most common administration method. Inhalation has been tried but is less effective than oral intake.
The absorption process also includes the release of the compound from the dosage form during oral ingestion. Factors like delays in the throat or esophagus can affect this, potentially slowing down the effects or causing irritation. Once the compound reaches the stomach, the acidic environment may start to break it down before it enters the bloodstream.
Studies conducted on animals suggest that only around 50% of orally administered psychedelics get absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
Factors Affecting the Absorption Process
Several factors can influence the absorption process, leading to variations in the onset, intensity, and duration:
- Stomach Contents: Eating before the procedure can delay the process as it slows the onset of effects. Absorption is faster on an empty stomach.
- Body Fat: Substances can accumulate in fat tissues, potentially prolonging their effects.
- Age: Metabolic rates and body composition can vary with age.
- Zero-Order Kinetics: The substance is eliminated at a constant rate, regardless of its concentration.
- First-Order Kinetics: The elimination rate is proportionate to the concentration of the drug.
The phosphate group in psilocybin has a strong polarity. When combined with the positive charge of the amine group, it results in a zwitterionic molecule which increases its water solubility compared to psilocin. Without the phosphate group, psilocin becomes more lipid-soluble, metabolically accessible, and is absorbed more easily in the intestines.
class=”wp-block-heading”>DispersionDispersion is the term that describes how psilocin is spread throughout the body once it enters the bloodstream. Due to its lipophilic nature, psilocin can readily cross the blood-brain barrier and access the central nervous system.
system.Several factors, including the product’s size, polarity, and protein-binding capability, as well as an individual’s physiological characteristics—such as hydration status and body composition—significantly influence this process.
The goal is to maintain an effective concentration at the target site. For this to happen, the product needs to reach the intended area, as dictated by the volume of distribution, and remain unattached to proteins, which allows it to actively interact with its receptor.
What Factors Affect the Dispersion Process?
Several factors can impact the distribution process:
Typically, effects start to manifest between 20-40 minutes after ingestion, peaking around 80-100 minutes. The effects of magic mushrooms generally endure for 4-6 hours.
How is Dispersion to the Brain Achieved?
An initial experimental study on two species showed that the sequence of binding affinity is 5HT2A > 5HT1A > 5HT2B [23]. It also binds to dopamine D1, 5HT1E, 5HT5A, 5HT7, 5HT6, D3, 5HT2C, and 5HT1B receptors.
It acts as a partial agonist at the 5HT2A receptor, with an efficacy of about 40%. The psychedelic effects can be linked to its partial agonist activity at 5HT1A autoreceptors.
The mood-boosting and psychotomimetic experiences may result from the observed link between increased dopamine levels and feelings of depersonalization and elation. Hallucinogens work by changing neurochemistry and receptor activity. They enhance 5HT2A agonist activity by boosting BDNF synthesis in the hippocampus, which promotes neurogenesis and reduces conditioned fear-related behaviors.
Elimination
Elimination refers to the process in which the The body expels a substance mainly through the kidneys, but also through the lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. In the kidneys, a naturally occurring psychedelic drug is either filtered by the glomerulus or secreted by the tubules, which is a process further complicated by some reabsorption.
The primary compound has an estimated half-life of 160 minutes, while psilocin has a half-life of about 50 minutes. Animal studies indicate that the majority of this substance is excreted in the urine, accounting for approximately 65% within 8 hours of ingestion. Residual traces of the substance can also be detected in smaller amounts in bile and feces.
In humans, about 3.4% of the substance is expelled in its original form within 24 hours, while the rest is eliminated as psilocin-O-glucuronide, a more stable metabolite. This metabolite’s stability allows the substance to be traceable in urine samples over an extended duration.
The body primarily uses two methods to expel substances:
Most psychedelic drugs are eliminated following the first-order kinetics method, reaching stable concentrations after four to five half-lives. Total elimination generally occurs after another four to five half-lives.
Discover Our Range of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms
The metabolization process can differ between various types of fungi. By choosing trusted online suppliers like Shrooms Canada, you can avoid the risk of ingesting poisonous mushrooms. Certain species, such as Agaric mushrooms, can induce potent and potentially unpleasant effects. As such, it is critical to obtain magic mushrooms from reliable sources rather than risky street vendors or unregulated foraging.
| Characteristic | Enigma | Full Moon Party | Gold Member | |
| Type of Strain | Psilocybe Cubensis OMNI | Psilocybe cubensis (Thai Koh Samui) | Psilocybe cubensis | |
| Strength | Exceptionally high; 3.8% tryptamine content | Moderate to high | High potency | |
| Visual Traits | Appears as a blob or | Resembles a cauliflower or brain structure | Typical cubensis look; moderately sized | Broad white stems; caramel-gold caps; visible blue bruising |
| Effects | Considered the most potent; yields intense effects | Powerful cerebral high; delayed onset with noticeable visuals | Vivid visuals and euphoria |
Online Learning About Psilocybin Mushroom Use
It is crucial for medical professionals, researchers, and users to understand the pharmacokinetics of shrooms. This understanding allows you to make educated decisions about dosage and timing, and helps to minimize potential risks.
Discover your perfect psychedelic experience at Shrooms Canada. Whether you’re in search of a soothing voyage or a deeper exploration, we offer a varied product line to meet your unique needs. Experience high-quality, safe, and quality-controlled shrooms, alleviating worries about dubious sources or poisonous mushrooms.
Indulge in the best magic mushrooms Canada has to offer and take your psychedelic journey to unparalleled heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any proven interactions between shrooms and other drugs?
Our products may interact with certain drugs, particularly those that affect serotonin levels, such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). SSRIs and SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) may reduce the effects, unlike non-serotonergic antidepressants. This reduced effect can last up to three months after stopping the use of the antidepressant.
Do all psychedelics use the same pathway as psilocybin?
No, each psychedelic substance has a unique structure that requires different metabolic processes to activate, and they bind to various receptors in the body. The method of administration also affects the absorption of each psychedelic. While the basic principles of absorption, metabolism, and distribution are the same, the specific pathways and effects vary for each substance.
Can the form of the shroom affect the pharmacokinetics?
Indeed, the form (be it fresh, powdered, or dried mushrooms) can influence the absorption rate. For example, powdered forms might be absorbed faster than whole dried ones due to faster dissolution.
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