Psilocybin mushrooms, much like LSD, function as a traditional psychedelic by serving as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist. Presently, studies are underway on the use of psilocybin in therapy for mental health disorders, such as emotional distress related to major depression, anxiety, cluster headaches, and migraines.
Understanding how shrooms help alleviate these conditions requires an examination of their metabolism within the body. This insight enables researchers and consumers to understand how the active ingredient produces its psychological and therapeutic effects. This article offers a basic overview of the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of psilocybin.
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Key Takeaways:
- When consumed orally, half of the psychedelic fungi is absorbed and dispersed throughout the body.
- The compound from the fungi undergoes dephosphorylation via the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, mainly in the liver.
- Approximately 3.4% of the compound is excreted in its original form within the first 24 hours, with the rest being expelled as a stable metabolite.
What is Pharmacokinetics?
Pharmacokinetics (PK) is the scientific study of how substances, for instance, drugs, are processed by the body after being ingested. It is related but distinct from pharmacodynamics, which explores how a compound interacts with the body. PK focuses on four primary areas: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
Knowing these processes allows medical professionals to prescribe the most effective drugs with the least amount of risk. It also empowers them to customize treatments according to each patient’s individual physiology and lifestyle.
How Does Pharmacokinetics Apply to Psilocybin?
Psilocybin and psilocin are the primary active compounds in some species of magic mushrooms, and they have generated significant interest among researchers and users alike. Pharmacokinetics explores how psilocybin-containing mushrooms are processed by the body and aids in understanding their potential medicinal or recreational effects.
These compounds, also known as “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred,” are found in certain fungi. These fungi are ingested, with the types of mushrooms. Factors such as origin, size, growing conditions, drying methods, and age can create substantial variations in their potency.
While these mushrooms naturally sprout in the wild, scientists have devised ways to produce them in a lab. Both the natural and lab-cultivated variations showcase minimal toxicity, although minor side effects like nausea or vomiting may occur.
Despite these physical side effects, the compounds in these mushrooms have demonstrated potential therapeutic benefits due to their safety and non-addictive characteristics. These advantages have prompted researchers to explore their application in psychotherapy, particularly as a treatment for anxiety and depression.
The 4 Phases of Pharmacokinetics
Psilocybin, the compound present in these mushrooms, is inert in its original state and functions as a prodrug, converting into its active form, psilocin. Enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase facilitate this transformation, enabling psilocin to be absorbed and circulated throughout the body, reaching different tissues. However, post oral intake, psilocybin is undetectable in the circulatory system, feces, or urine.
Absorption
Absorption is the process by which the compound moves from the site of administration into the bloodstream. It affects how quickly and efficiently the compound reaches its target, such as the plasma. Oral intake is the most common method of administration. Inhalation has been attempted but is less effective than oral consumption.
The absorption process also constitutes the compound’s release from the dosage form during oral ingestion. Factors like a delay in the throat or esophagus can affect this, potentially decelerating results or causing discomfort. Upon reaching the stomach, the acidic environment might start to break down the compound before it enters the bloodstream.
Studies on animals show that only approximately 50% of orally administered psychedelics are absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
Factors Affecting the Absorption Process
Several factors can influence the absorption process, resulting in variations in the onset, intensity, and duration:
- Stomach Contents: Consuming the compound on a full stomach can slow down the absorption process and delay the onset of effects. Absorption is faster on an empty stomach.
- Body Fat: Substances may accumulate in fat tissues, potentially prolonging their effects.
- Age: Metabolic rates and body composition often 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 proportional to the concentration of the drug.
The term ‘dispersion’ relates to how psilocin is spread throughout the body once it’s in the bloodstream. Due to its lipophilic nature, psilocin can cross the blood-brain barrier and access the central nervous system.
Various factors like the size, polarity, and protein-binding capacity of the substance, coupled with individual’s physical characteristics such as hydration status and body composition, have a significant impact on this process.
The goal is to achieve an effective concentration at the target location. In order to be effective, the substance must arrive at the predetermined location, as dictated by the volume of dispersion. Moreover, it should remain unattached to proteins, allowing it to actively interact with its receptor.
What Factors Can Affect the Dispersion Process?
Several factors can influence the dispersion process:
Typically, the effects start to manifest within 20-40 minutes of consumption, reaching their peak at around 80-100 minutes. The effects of magic mushrooms usually last between 4-6 hours.
How Does Dispersion to the Brain Happen?
An initial experimental study conducted on two species indicated that the binding affinity order 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 attributed to its partial agonist activity at 5HT1A autoreceptors.
The elevations in mood and psychotomimetic experiences may be linked to the observed relationship between increased dopamine levels and feelings of detachment and joy. Hallucinogens work by modifying neurochemistry and receptor activity. They enhance 5HT2A agonist activity by increasing BDNF synthesis in the hippocampus, which promotes neurogenesis and reduces conditioned fear-related behaviors.
Elimination
Elimination refers to the process where the The body expels various substances primarily through the kidneys, but also via the lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract. In particular, when it comes to the kidneys, they filter or secrete a naturally occurring psychedelic drug in the glomerulus or tubules, with some reabsorption adding an additional layer of complexity to the process.
The main compound has a half-life of about 160 minutes, compared to psilocin, which has a half-life of approximately 50 minutes. Animal studies indicate that this is primarily excreted in the urine, constituting about 65% within 8 hours post-consumption. However, smaller amounts of the substance can also be detected in the bile and feces.
In the human body, nearly 3.4% of the substance is expelled in its original form within 24 hours, whereas the bulk is discharged as psilocin-O-glucuronide, a more stable metabolite. The stability of this metabolite allows for the compound’s detection in urine samples for a prolonged duration.
The substance is primarily expelled through two key methods:
Typically, psychedelic drugs follow the first-order kinetics method, achieving stable concentrations after about four to five half-lives. Complete removal also occurs after approximately four to five half-lives.
Discover Our Range of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms
The metabolic process differs among various types of fungi. By choosing trusted online vendors like Organic Shroom Canada, you can prevent unintentional consumption of poisonous mushrooms. Certain types, such as Agaric mushrooms, can trigger strong and undesirable effects. Hence, sourcing magic mushrooms from reliable dispensaries is crucial, as opposed to untrustworthy street vendors or foraging in the wild.
| Feature | Enigma | Full Moon Party | Gold Member | |
| Strain Type | Psilocybe Cubensis OMNI | Psilocybe cubensis (Thai Koh Samui) | Psilocybe cubensis | |
| Potency | Exceptionally high; 3.8% tryptamine content | Moderate to high potency | High potency | |
| Visual Characteristics | Resembles a blob or | Resemblance to cauliflower or brain | Typical cubensis features; moderate size | Stout white stems; caps in shades of golden caramel; visible blue bruising |
| Effects | Known for its extreme potency; induces intense reactions | Powerful cerebral high; delayed onset followed by noticeable visuals | Intense visuals and feelings of euphoria |
Discover Psilocybin Mushroom Consumption Online
Grasping the pharmacokinetics of shrooms is crucial for healthcare providers, researchers, and consumers. Armed with this knowledge, you can make well-informed decisions regarding dosage and timing, thus reducing potential hazards.
Find the psychedelic experience that suits you best at Organic Shroom Canada. No matter if you’re seeking a tranquil trip or a deeper exploration, our extensive product selection is designed to meet your individual needs. Experience high-quality, safe, and regulated shrooms, without worrying about unreliable sources or poisonous mushrooms.
Explore the finest magic mushrooms Canada has to offer and enhance your psychedelic journey to new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do shrooms interact with any other medications?
Our products might 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) tend to reduce the effects, unlike non-serotonergic antidepressants. This reduced effect may last up to three months after stopping the use of the antidepressant.
Do all psychedelic substances follow the same pathway as psilocybin?
No, every psychedelic compound has a unique structure which requires different metabolic processes to become active, and they bind to a variety of receptors in the body. The administration method also affects the absorption of each psychedelic. Although the basic principles of absorption, metabolism, and distribution are the same, the specific pathways and impacts vary for each substance.
Does the form of the mushroom affect its pharmacokinetics?
Yes, the form of the mushroom (be it fresh, powdered, or dried) can influence the absorption rate. For example, powdered forms may be absorbed faster than whole dried ones due to quicker dissolution.
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