Psilocybin mushrooms, a classic type of psychedelic similar to LSD in that they both act as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist, are currently under investigation for use in psilocybin-assisted therapy to treat various mental health ailments. These include major depression, anxiety, emotional distress, cluster headaches, and migraines.
In order to fully understand how shrooms can potentially benefit these conditions, it’s essential to delve into how they are metabolized in the body. This knowledge enables both researchers and users to grasp how the active compound produces its psychological and therapeutic effects. This article offers a basic overview of the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of psilocybin.
[toc]
Key Points:
- When consumed orally, half of the psychedelic fungi is absorbed and disseminated throughout the body.
- The compound in the fungi undergoes dephosphorylation via the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, primarily in the liver.
- Approximately 3.4% of the compound is expelled in its original form within 24 hours, with the majority being eliminated as a stable metabolite.
What is Pharmacokinetics?
Pharmacokinetics (PK) is the study of how substances, such as drugs, are processed by the body after entering the system. It is related, but distinct, from pharmacodynamics, which explores how a compound interacts with the body. PK focuses on four primary aspects: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
Comprehending these processes enables healthcare professionals to prescribe the most effective medications with the lowest risk. It also allows them to customize treatments to each patient’s individual physiology and lifestyle.
How Does Pharmacokinetics Relate to Psilocybin?
Psilocybin and psilocin, the primary active compounds in certain types of magic mushrooms, have attracted significant interest from researchers and users alike. Pharmacokinetics looks at how the body processes mushrooms containing psilocybin and helps us understand their potential effects, whether they’re used for medicinal purposes or recreationally.
These compounds are often referred to by various names such as “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred.” The consumption of fungi containing these compounds is usually done with The Types of mushrooms, their original location, size, growing and drying conditions, and age can substantially influence their potency levels.
Although these mushrooms naturally grow in the wild, scientists have discovered ways to artificially produce them in laboratories. Both the natural and lab-grown mushrooms have low toxicity, though they may cause minor side effects such as nausea or vomiting.
Despite these minor physical side effects, the compounds found in these mushrooms have shown promising therapeutic benefits due to their safe profile and non-addictive properties. Consequently, researchers are exploring their potential use in psychotherapy, specifically for treating anxiety and depression.
Understanding the 4 Stages of Pharmacokinetics
The compound psilocybin, present in these mushrooms, is inactive in its natural state and functions as a prodrug, converting into its active form, psilocin. Enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase facilitate this conversion, enabling psilocin to be absorbed and distributed to various body tissues. However, psilocybin is undetectable in the circulatory system, feces, or urine after oral administration.
Absorption
Absorption is the process in which the compound enters the bloodstream from the site of administration. This process influences how quickly and effectively the compound gets to its target, such as the plasma. While the compound is mostly administered orally, inhalation has also been tried, but it’s less effective.
The absorption process also includes the release of the compound from the oral dosage form. Factors such as delay in the throat or esophagus can affect this process, potentially slowing down the effects or causing discomfort. Once the compound reaches the stomach, the acidic environment may start to decompose it before it can enter the bloodstream.
Research on animals suggests that only about 50% of orally administered psychedelics are absorbed and distributed in the body.
Factors Affecting the Absorption Process
Various factors can affect the absorption process, leading to differences in the onset, intensity, and duration of the effects:
- Stomach Contents: A full stomach can impede the process as it slows down the onset of effects. Conversely, an empty stomach can expedite absorption.
- Body Fat: Compounds may accumulate in fat tissues, possibly prolonging their effects.
- Age: Metabolism rates and body composition typically vary with age.
- Zero-Order Kinetics: The substance is expelled at a steady rate, irrespective of its concentration.
- First-Order Kinetics: The elimination rate is proportional to the drug’s concentration.
Distribution denotes the dispersion of psilocin throughout the body post entering the bloodstream. Psilocin, being lipophilic, can permeate the blood-brain barrier and access the central nervous system.
system.This process is significantly influenced by factors such as the product’s size, polarity, protein-binding ability, and an individual’s physiological features, including hydration levels and body composition.
The aim is to reach a sufficient concentration at the target location. For efficacy, the product needs to reach the intended site, defined by the volume of distribution, and remain free from protein binding, facilitating active interaction with its receptor.
Determinants of the Distribution Process
Several factors can influence the distribution process:
Typically, the effects become noticeable within 20-40 minutes of ingestion, reaching their peak around 80-100 minutes. The effects of magic mushrooms generally persist for 4-6 hours.
How is Distribution to the Brain Achieved?
An initial experimental study on two species indicated that the order of binding affinity is 5HT2A > 5HT1A > 5HT2B [23]. It also interacts with 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 associated with its partial agonist activity at 5HT1A autoreceptors.
The enhancement of mood and psychotomimetic experiences may be connected to the observed link between increased dopamine levels and feelings of depersonalization and euphoria. Hallucinogens work by modifying neurochemistry and receptor activity. It enhances 5HT2A agonist activity by boosting BDNF synthesis in the hippocampus, which promotes neurogenesis and reduces conditioned fear-related behaviors.
Elimination
Excretion constitutes the mechanism by which the
The body expels a substance, primarily via the kidneys, but also through the lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract. In relation to the kidneys, a naturally occurring psychedelic drug is either filtered in the glomerulus or secreted in the tubules, with some reabsorption adding layers to the process.
The main substance has a half-life of roughly 160 minutes, while psilocin’s half-life is approximately 50 minutes. Animal studies indicate that the majority of this is secreted in the urine, accounting for about 65% within 8 hours. After consumption, residual amounts can be detected in bile and feces.
In humans, around 3.4% of the substance is excreted in its original form within 24 hours, while most is eliminated as psilocin-O-glucuronide, a more stable metabolite. This stability allows the substance to be traced in urine samples for an extended duration.
There are two main methods of substance elimination:
Most psychedelic drugs adhere to the first-order kinetics method, reaching stable concentrations after four to five half-lives. Complete elimination also occurs after four to five half-lives.
Discover Our Range of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms
The metabolic process varies among different fungi species. By buying from reliable online vendors like Get Magic Mushrooms Canada, you can prevent the accidental consumption of poisonous mushrooms. Certain varieties, such as Agaric mushrooms, can produce intense and undesirable effects. Hence, it’s vital to acquire magic mushrooms from trustworthy sources, rather than unregulated street vendors or wild foraging.
| Feature | Enigma | Full Moon Party | Gold Member | |
| Strain Type | Psilocybe Cubensis OMNI | Psilocybe cubensis (Thai Koh Samui) | Psilocybe cubensis | |
| Potency | Extraordinarily high; 3.8% tryptamine content | Moderate to high potency | High potency | |
| Visual Characteristics | Looks like a blob or | Resembles a cauliflower or brain structure | Exhibits traditional cubensis traits; of moderate size | Thick white stems with golden caramel caps and distinctive blue bruising |
| Effects | Renowned as the most potent, capable of inducing intense effects | Produces a strong mental high with a delayed onset and significant visuals | Offers potent visuals and a sense of euphoria |
Explore Psilocybin Mushroom Usage Online
For medical professionals, researchers, and users, it’s crucial to understand the pharmacokinetics of shrooms. This understanding enables you to make educated decisions about dosage and timing, reducing potential risks.
Discover your perfect psychedelic journey on Get Magic Mushrooms Canada. Whether you crave a soothing voyage or a deeper exploration, our wide array of products is designed to meet your unique needs. Enjoy premium, reliable, and quality-assured shrooms, leaving behind worries about questionable sources or harmful mushrooms.
Embark on an exceptional trip with the best magic mushrooms Canada has to offer, and enhance your psychedelic experience like never before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do shrooms interact with any other medications?
Our products may interact with certain medications, particularly those that affect serotonin levels, such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). SSRIs and SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) tend to weaken the effects, unlike non-serotonergic antidepressants. This reduced effect can last for up to three months after discontinuing the antidepressant.
Do other psychedelics follow 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 within the body. The method of administration also affects how each psychedelic is absorbed. While the basic principles of absorption, metabolism, and distribution are consistent, the specific pathways and effects vary for each substance.
Does the form of the shroom affect the pharmacokinetics?
Yes, the form (whether fresh, powdered, or dried mushrooms) can influence the absorption rate. For example, powdered forms might be absorbed faster than whole dried ones due to their quicker dissolution.
Related Articles:
