Psilocybin mushrooms, similar to LSD in their function as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist, are a traditional form of psychedelic. They are currently under investigation for use in psilocybin-assisted therapy for various mental health disorders, such as major depression-induced emotional distress, anxiety, cluster headaches, and migraines.
Understanding how shrooms can benefit these conditions requires an exploration of how they metabolize within the body. This knowledge helps both researchers and users to understand how the active compound produces its psychological and therapeutic effects. This article offers a basic explanation of psilocybin’s pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.
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Key Takeaways:
- Half of the psychedelic fungi taken orally is absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
- The fungal compound undergoes dephosphorylation through the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, mainly in the liver.
- Approximately 3.4% of the compound is expelled in its initial form within 24 hours, while the majority is discharged as a stable metabolite.
What is Pharmacokinetics?
Pharmacokinetics (PK) is the study of how substances like drugs are processed by the body after intake. While related, it is different from pharmacodynamics, which investigates how a compound interacts with the body. PK focuses on four main elements: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
Thorough understanding of these processes enables healthcare professionals to prescribe the most suitable medications with the least risk. It also allows them to customize treatments according to each patient’s unique physiology and lifestyle.
How does Pharmacokinetics relate to Psilocybin?
Psilocybin and psilocin, the primary active compounds in certain magic mushrooms, have captured substantial interest from both researchers and users. Pharmacokinetics explores how the body processes mushrooms containing psilocybin, aiding in understanding their potential medicinal or recreational impacts.
These compounds, also known as “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred,” are found in fungi that are ingested. The different varieties of mushrooms, their place of origin, size, the conditions in which they thrive and are dried, and their age can lead to significant differences in their potency levels.
While these mushrooms naturally grow in the wild, scientists have devised ways to cultivate them in a laboratory setting. Both the natural and lab-grown versions exhibit low toxicity, although minor side effects like nausea or vomiting might be experienced.
Regardless of these physical effects, the compounds present in these mushrooms have shown potential therapeutic benefits because of their safe profile and non-addictive properties. These advantages have spurred researchers to further investigate their application in psychotherapy, especially as a possible remedy for anxiety and depression.
The 4 Phases of Pharmacokinetics
Psilocybin, the active compound in these mushrooms, is inert in its initial form and functions as a prodrug, converting into its active state, psilocin. Enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase facilitate this transformation, enabling psilocin to be absorbed and distributed throughout the body, reaching different tissues. However, post oral administration, psilocybin is not detectable in the circulatory system, feces, or urine.
Absorption
Absorption refers to the process where the compound enters the bloodstream from the site of administration. It determines the rate and effectiveness at which the compound arrives at its target, such as the plasma. Oral intake is the most commonly used method of administration. Inhalation has been attempted, but it doesn’t yield as effective results as oral intake.
The absorption process also involves the release of the compound from the dosage form during oral consumption. Factors such as delay in the throat or esophagus can affect this, potentially slowing down the outcomes or causing discomfort. Once the compound reaches the stomach, the acidic environment might begin to dissolve it before it enters the bloodstream.
Studies conducted on animals indicate that only about 50% of orally administered psychedelics are 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: Having a full stomach can delay the process as it decelerates the onset of effects. Faster absorption is facilitated by an empty stomach.
- Body Fat: Substances can accumulate in fatty tissues, potentially prolonging their effects.
- Age: Metabolic rates and body composition can vary with age.
- Zero-Order Kinetics: The substance is removed at a steady rate, regardless of its concentration.
- First-Order Kinetics: The rate of removal is relative to the drug’s concentration.
Dispersion refers to how psilocin spreads throughout the body once it enters the bloodstream. Psilocin, being lipophilic, can traverse the blood-brain barrier and access the central nervous system.
system.Various factors such as the molecule’s size, polarity, and protein-binding capacity, as well as personal physiological conditions—like hydration status and body composition—greatly impact this process.
The goal is to achieve an effective concentration at the intended site. In order for it to be effective, the substance must reach the specified location, as defined by the volume of distribution, and remain unattached to proteins, so it can interact freely with its receptor.
What Factors Affect the Dispersion Process?
Several factors can influence the dispersion process:
Typically, the effects begin to manifest 20-40 minutes after ingestion, peaking around 80-100 minutes. The effects of magic mushrooms usually last between 4-6 hours.
How is Dispersion to the Brain Achieved?
An early experimental study on two species showed that the sequence of receptor 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 enhanced emotional state and psychotomimetic experiences may stem from the observed association between increased dopamine levels and sensations of depersonalization and euphoria. Hallucinogens work by modifying neurochemistry and receptor activity. It enhances 5HT2A agonist activity by promoting BDNF synthesis in the hippocampus, which encourages neurogenesis and reduces conditioned fear-related behaviors.
Elimination
Elimination refers to the process by which the
The human body expels substances through various means, primarily the kidneys, but also through the lungs, skin, or digestive tract. Specifically, the kidneys filter or secrete a naturally occurring psychedelic drug in the glomerulus or tubules, with some reabsorption adding layers to this process.
The primary compound has a half-life of about 160 minutes, whereas the half-life of psilocin is near 50 minutes. Research in animals reveals that the majority of this is excreted through urine, accounting for around 65% within 8 hours. Even after consumption, residual traces of the substance can be detected in smaller amounts in bile and feces.
In human bodies, about 3.4% of the substance is expelled in its unchanged form within 24 hours, while most of it is removed as psilocin-O-glucuronide, a more stable byproduct. The stability of this metabolite allows the compound to be detected in urine samples over a prolonged period.
There are two primary ways through which substances are expelled:
Most psychedelic substances follow the first-order kinetics method, reaching stable concentrations after four to five half-lives. Full removal also occurs after four to five half-lives.
Browse Our Assortment of Psychedelic Mushrooms
The metabolic process differs among various types of fungi. By purchasing from reliable online vendors like Shroom Dudes Canada, you can avoid inadvertently ingesting harmful mushrooms. Some varieties, like Agaric mushrooms, can induce strong and undesirable effects. Hence, it’s essential to procure psychedelic mushrooms from trustworthy dispensaries, rather than risky street sellers or wild foraging.
| Characteristic | 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 | Resembles a cauliflower or brain | Displays typical cubensis traits; of medium size | Sturdy white stalks; caps in hues of golden caramel; conspicuous blue bruising |
| Effects | Considered the strongest; generates intense reactions | A powerful mental high; delayed onset with distinct visuals | Intense visual effects and euphoria |
Online Guide to Psilocybin Mushroom Use
Grasping the pharmacokinetics of shrooms is crucial for healthcare professionals, researchers, and users. This understanding allows for informed decision-making regarding dosage and scheduling, thereby reducing potential hazards.
Discover your perfect psychedelic experience at Shroom Dudes Canada. Whether you desire a soothing trip or a deeper exploration, our extensive product selection is tailored to your individual needs. We offer premium, safe, and quality-assured shrooms, eliminating worries about unreliable sources or poisonous mushrooms.
Delve into the best magic mushrooms Canada can provide and take your psychedelic journey to unmatched heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any documented interactions between shrooms and other medicines?
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) typically reduce the effects, unlike non-serotonergic antidepressants. This reduced effect can last for up to three months after stopping the antidepressant use.
Do all psychedelics operate on the same pathway as psilocybin?
No, every psychedelic substance has a unique structure requiring different metabolic processes to activate, and they bind to a variety of receptors in the body. The administration method also impacts each psychedelic’s absorption. Although the basic principles of absorption, metabolism, and distribution are the same, the specific pathways and effects vary for each substance.
Can the mushroom’s form affect the pharmacokinetics?
Yes, the form (be it fresh, powdered, or dried mushrooms) can influence absorption speed. For example, powdered forms may be absorbed faster than whole dried ones due to quicker dissolution.
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