Psilocybin mushrooms function as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist, similar to LSD, and are a traditional form of psychedelic. They are currently the subject of research in psilocybin-assisted therapy for a range of mental health disorders such as major depression-related emotional distress, anxiety, cluster headaches, and migraines.
Understanding the role of shrooms in treating these conditions requires a thorough examination of their metabolic process in the body. This knowledge helps researchers and users to understand how the active compound produces psychological and therapeutic effects. This article offers a basic overview of the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of psilocybin.
[toc]
Key Takeaways:
- When psychedelic fungi are orally consumed, half of it is absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
- The compound in the fungi is dephosphorylated via the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, mainly in the liver.
- Approximately 3.4% of the compound is expelled in its original form within a day, while most of it is discharged as a stable metabolite.
What Does Pharmacokinetics Mean?
Pharmacokinetics (PK) is the study of how substances, such as drugs, are processed by the body once they have been introduced into the system. It is different from but related to pharmacodynamics, which focuses on how a compound interacts with the body. PK explores four main elements: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
Understanding these processes enables medical professionals to prescribe the most effective drugs with the least risk. It also allows them to customize treatments to suit the unique physiology and lifestyle of each patient.
How Does Pharmacokinetics Relate to Psilocybin?
Psilocybin and psilocin, the primary active compounds in certain types of magic mushrooms, have attracted significant attention from researchers and users. Pharmacokinetics analyses how the body manages mushrooms containing psilocybin and aids in understanding their potential medicinal or recreational effects.
These compounds are known by a variety of names, including “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred.” The fungi containing these compounds are consumed, with The types of mushrooms, their origin, size, the conditions needed for their growth and drying process, along with their age, all these can lead to considerable differences in their concentrations.
Though these mushrooms naturally grow in the wild, scientists have devised methods to artificially produce them in laboratories. Both the natural and lab-grown varieties have low toxicity, however, they may cause minor side effects like nausea or vomiting.
Despite these physical side effects, the compounds found in these mushrooms have demonstrated potential therapeutic benefits due to their safe profile and non-addictive properties. This has prompted researchers to explore their application in psychotherapy, particularly as a treatment method for anxiety and depression.
The Four Phases of Pharmacokinetics
Psilocybin, the compound present in these mushrooms, is inactive in its raw form and acts as a prodrug, converting into its active form, psilocin. Enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase facilitate this conversion, which allows psilocin to be absorbed and distributed throughout the body, reaching various tissues. However, after being consumed orally, psilocybin cannot be detected 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 affects the rate and effectiveness at which the compound reaches its target, such as the plasma. The compound is commonly consumed orally. Inhalation has been tried, but it is not as efficient as oral ingestion.
The process of absorption also includes the release of the compound from the dosage form during oral consumption. Factors like a delay in the throat or esophagus can impact this, potentially slowing down the results or causing discomfort. Once the compound enters the stomach, the acidic environment might start to break it down before it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Studies on animals suggest that only approximately 50% of orally consumed psychedelics are absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
Factors That Influence the Absorption Process
Various factors can impact the absorption process, leading to differences in the onset, intensity, and duration:
- Contents of the Stomach: Having a full stomach can slow down the process as it delays the onset of effects. Faster absorption is achieved when the stomach is empty.
- Body Fat: Compounds may accumulate in fatty tissues, potentially prolonging their effects.
- Age: Metabolic rate and body composition can vary with age.
- Zero-Order Kinetics: The substance is removed at a uniform rate, regardless of its concentration.
- First-Order Kinetics: The elimination rate is directly proportional to the concentration of the drug.
The term ‘Distribution’ is used to describe the process through which psilocin is disseminated within the body once it has been introduced into the bloodstream. Due to its lipophilic nature, psilocin is capable of traversing the blood-brain barrier to reach the central nervous system.
system.Various factors including the physical properties of the substance such as size, polarity and protein-binding ability along with the individual’s unique physiological traits like hydration levels and body composition, play a crucial role in this process.
The goal is to achieve a suitable concentration at the intended site. The effectiveness of the product relies on its ability to arrive at the specified location, as dictated by the volume of distribution, and remain unattached to proteins, thus enabling active interaction with its receptor.
What Affects the Dispersal Process?
The distribution process may be influenced by a variety of factors:
Typically, effects will begin to manifest between 20 and 40 minutes after ingestion, reaching their peak in roughly 80 to 100 minutes. The effects of magic mushrooms generally last between 4 and 6 hours.
How Does Dispersal to the Brain Happen?
Preliminary studies on two species show that its binding affinity follows the sequence 5HT2A > 5HT1A > 5HT2B [23]. It can also bind 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 hallucinogenic effects can be attributed to its partial agonist activity at 5HT1A autoreceptors.
The mood elevating and psychotomimetic experiences may be linked to the observed correlation between rising dopamine levels and feelings of depersonalization and euphoria. Hallucinogens work by modifying neurochemistry and receptor activity. It enhances 5HT2A agonist activity by increasing BDNF synthesis in the hippocampus, which promotes neurogenesis and reduces fear-associated behaviours.
Elimination
The process through which the
The body disposes of a particular substance predominantly through the kidneys, but also via the lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract. In the kidneys, this naturally occurring psychedelic drug is sieved in the glomerulus or secreted in the tubules, with some reabsorption contributing to the complexity of the process.
The primary compound has an estimated half-life of 160 minutes, whereas psilocin has a half-life of approximately 50 minutes. Animal studies reveal that majority of this substance is primarily expelled in the urine, constituting about 65% within 8 hours of consumption. Residual amounts of the substance can also be detected in bile and feces.
In the human body, around 3.4% of the substance is discarded in its unaltered form within 24 hours. The rest is primarily expelled as a more stable metabolite, psilocin-O-glucuronide. This metabolite’s stability makes it detectable in urine samples for extended periods.
The body employs two main methods to eliminate substances:
The majority of psychedelic drugs follow the first-order kinetics method, achieving steady-state concentrations after approximately four to five half-lives. Complete eradication also occurs after around four to five half-lives.
Browse Our Collection of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms
The metabolic process varies depending on the type of fungi. By sourcing from reliable online suppliers like Shroom Shop Canada, you can avoid inadvertently ingesting toxic mushrooms. Some varieties, such as Agaric mushrooms, can yield strong and undesirable effects. Therefore, it’s crucial to procure magic mushrooms from trustworthy dispensaries instead of risky street vendors or wild foraging.
| Characteristic | Enigma | Full Moon Party | Gold Member | |
| Strain Category | Psilocybe Cubensis OMNI | Psilocybe cubensis (Thai Koh Samui) | Psilocybe cubensis | |
| Strength | Remarkably potent; 3.8% tryptamine content | Medium to high potency | High potency | |
| Visual Traits | Looks like a blob or | Resembles a cauliflower or brain | Typically exhibits a cubensis appearance; of average size | Stout white stalks; caps are a rich golden caramel; evident blue discoloration on bruising |
| Effects | Known for being the most potent; triggers intense reactions | Produces a strong psychological high; onset is delayed but visuals are notable | Produces strong visuals and feelings of euphoria |
Explore Psilocybin Mushroom Use Online
It’s crucial for medical professionals, researchers, and users to comprehend the pharmacokinetics of shrooms. Armed with this knowledge, you can make well-informed decisions regarding dosage and timing, thus reducing potential risks.
Discover your perfect psychedelic experience at Shroom Shop Canada. Whether you’re after a soothing trip or a deeper exploration, our diverse product range is tailored to meet your specific needs. Enjoy top-tier, safe, and regulated shrooms, letting you let go of worries about unreliable sources or poisonous mushrooms.
Immerse yourself in the best magic mushrooms Canada has to offer and enhance your psychedelic journey to new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any known interaction between shrooms and other drugs?
Our products may interact with certain medications, particularly those that affect serotonin levels, like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). SSRIs and SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) tend to lessen the effects, unlike non-serotonergic antidepressants. This reduction in effect can last for up to three months after stopping the antidepressant.
Do all psychedelics work the same way as psilocybin?
No, each psychedelic substance has a unique structure that requires different metabolic processes to activate, and they bind to different receptors in the body. The mode of administration also affects how each psychedelic is absorbed. While the basic principles of absorption, metabolism, and distribution stay the same, the specific routes and impacts vary for each substance.
Can the form of the mushroom affect the pharmacokinetics?
Yes, the form (whether it’s fresh, powdered, or dried mushrooms) can influence the speed of absorption. For example, powdered forms may be absorbed faster than whole dried ones as they dissolve more quickly.
Additional Reading:
