Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as a traditional psychedelic, function similarly to LSD as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist. Current research is exploring their use in psilocybin-assisted therapy for various mental health disorders, such as major depression, anxiety, cluster headaches, and migraines-induced emotional distress.
To understand how shrooms can help with these conditions, we need to examine how they are metabolized in our bodies. This insight aids researchers and users in figuring out how the active compound triggers psychological and therapeutic effects. This article provides a basic understanding of the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of psilocybin.
[toc]
Key Takeaways:
- Half of the psychedelic fungi ingested orally gets absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
- The fungi compound undergoes a process called dephosphorylation, mainly in the liver, facilitated by the enzyme alkaline phosphatase.
- Approximately 3.4% of the compound is excreted in its original form within 24 hours, with the majority being eliminated as a stable metabolite.
What is Pharmacokinetics?
Pharmacokinetics (PK) is a study that investigates how substances such as drugs are processed by the body once ingested. Although related, it is different from pharmacodynamics which looks into how a compound interacts with the body. PK mainly focuses on four aspects: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
Understanding these processes helps healthcare professionals prescribe the most effective medications with the least risks. It also allows them to customize treatments based on a patient’s unique physiology and lifestyle.
How does Pharmacokinetics relate to Psilocybin?
Psilocybin and psilocin, the primary active compounds in certain types of magic mushrooms, have attracted considerable attention from both researchers and users. Pharmacokinetics studies how the body manages mushrooms containing psilocybin, helping to understand their potential medicinal or recreational effects.
These compounds, also referred to as “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred,” are found in fungi that are consumed. The varieties of mushrooms, their origin, size, the environment in which they grow and are dried, and their age can create significant differences in their concentrations.
Although these mushrooms naturally occur in the wild, scientists have devised ways to create them synthetically in a lab. Both the natural and synthetic forms have low toxicity, though minor side effects such as nausea or vomiting may occur.
Despite these physical side effects, the compounds in the mushrooms have demonstrated potential therapeutic benefits due to their safe profile and non-addictive properties. These benefits have prompted researchers to investigate their use in psychotherapy, particularly as a treatment for anxiety and depression.
The 4 Stages of Pharmacokinetics
Psilocybin, the compound present in these mushrooms, is inactive in its original form and acts as a prodrug, transforming into its active form, psilocin. Enzymes like alkaline phosphatase facilitate this conversion, enabling psilocin to be absorbed and distributed throughout the body, reaching various tissues. However, after oral administration, psilocybin cannot be detected in the circulatory system, feces, or urine.
Absorption
Absorption is the process by which the compound transitions from its site of administration into the bloodstream. It affects the speed and efficiency at which the compound arrives at its destination, such as the plasma. The most common route of administration is oral. Inhalation has been tested, but it is not as effective as oral ingestion.
The absorption process also entails the release of the compound from the dosage form during oral intake. Factors such as a delay in the throat or esophagus can affect this, potentially slowing down results or causing discomfort. Once the compound reaches the stomach, the acidic environment may start to decompose it before it enters the bloodstream.
Animal studies suggest that only about 50% of orally administered psychedelics are absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
Factors Affecting the Absorption Process
Various factors can influence the absorption process, leading to differences in the onset, intensity, and duration:
- Stomach Contents: Having a full stomach can prolong the process as it delays the onset of effects. An empty stomach allows for quicker absorption.
- Body Fat: Substances can potentially accumulate in adipose tissues, possibly prolonging their effects.
- Age: Metabolic rates and body composition are likely to vary with age.
- Zero-Order Kinetics: This involves the removal of the substance at a constant rate, irrespective of its concentration.
- First-Order Kinetics: The elimination rate here is directly proportional to the substance’s concentration.
Various factors such as the product’s size, polarity, and protein-binding capacity, coupled with individual physiology—including hydration status and body composition—significantly influence this process.
The aim is to achieve an effective concentration at the target location. For the product to be potent, it must arrive at the specified region, guided by the volume of distribution, and remain unattached to proteins, allowing it to actively engage with its receptor.
What Factors Affect the Dissemination Process?
Several elements can impact the dissemination process:
Typically, the effects begin to manifest between 20-40 minutes after intake, peaking around 80-100 minutes. The effects of magic mushrooms usually persist for about 4-6 hours.
How Does Dissemination to the Brain Take Place?
An initial experimental study on two species demonstrated that its binding affinity sequence is 5HT2A > 5HT1A > 5HT2B [23]. It also attaches 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-elevating and psychotomimetic experiences might be linked to the observed connection between increased dopamine levels and feelings of depersonalization and euphoria. Hallucinogens work by modifying neurochemistry and receptor activity. They enhance 5HT2A agonist activity by boosting BDNF production in the hippocampus, which promotes neurogenesis and reduces conditioned fear-related behaviours.
Elimination
Elimination is the procedure by which the
The human body expels compounds primarily via the kidneys, but also through the lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract. With respect to the kidneys, they filter a naturally occurring psychedelic drug in the glomerulus or secrete it in the tubules, with some reabsorption that adds complexity to the elimination process.
The primary compound has a half-life of about 160 minutes, compared to psilocin’s half-life of roughly 50 minutes. Animal studies reveal that the majority of this compound is excreted in the urine, making up about 65% within 8 hours post-consumption. However, small amounts of the substance can still be detected in bile and feces.
In humans, about 3.4% of the substance is excreted in its original form within 24 hours. The bulk of it is expelled as psilocin-O-glucuronide, a more stable metabolite. This stability allows the compound to be detected in urine for a longer period.
Substance excretion primarily employs two methods:
Most psychedelic drugs follow the first-order kinetics method, reaching stable concentrations after four to five half-lives. Complete elimination also occurs after approximately four to five half-lives.
Discover Our Range of Psychedelic Mushrooms
Metabolic processes can differ across various types of fungi. By choosing reliable online suppliers like Shroom Store Canada, you can avoid the accidental consumption of poisonous mushrooms. Some mushroom types, such as Agaric mushrooms, can induce strong and unwanted effects. As such, it’s critical to obtain magic mushrooms from trusted dispensaries, rather than taking risks with unauthorized 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 | Extremely high; 3.8% tryptamine content | Moderate to high potency | High potency | |
| Visual Characteristics | Similar to a blob or | Resembles a brain or cauliflower in structure | The appearance is typically cubensis; moderately sized | Distinctive thick white stems; caps in shades of golden caramel; noticeable bruising in blue |
| Effects | Considered the most potent; generates intense effects | Potent cognitive high; onset delayed but with prominent visuals | Powerful visuals and euphoria |
Explore Psilocybin Mushroom Usage Online
For medical professionals, researchers, and users, understanding the pharmacokinetics of shrooms is crucial. This knowledge enables informed decisions about dosage and timing, thus reducing potential risks.
Discover your perfect psychedelic experience at Shroom Store Canada. Whether you’re after a soothing journey or a deeper exploration, our diverse product line is designed to meet your unique needs. Experience top-rated, safe, and quality-controlled shrooms, eliminating worries about uncertain sources or poisonous mushrooms.
Experience the best magic mushrooms Canada has to offer and enhance your psychedelic journey to new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do shrooms have known interactions with other medications?
Our products might interact with certain medications, particularly those affecting serotonin levels, such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). SSRIs and SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) tend to reduce the effects, unlike non-serotonergic antidepressants. This reduced effect can last up to three months after discontinuing the antidepressant.
Do all psychedelics operate on the same pathway as psilocybin?
No, each psychedelic substance has a unique structure requiring different metabolic processes to activate, and they attach to various receptors in the body. The administration method also impacts each psychedelic’s absorption. While the basic principles of absorption, metabolism, and distribution remain the same, the specific pathways and effects vary for each substance.
Does the form of the shroom affect the pharmacokinetics?
Yes, the form (be it fresh, powdered, or dried mushrooms) can affect the absorption rate. For example, powdered forms might be absorbed more quickly than whole dried ones due to faster dissolution.
Related Articles:
