Psilocybin mushrooms, similar to LSD in their function as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist, are a time-honored psychedelic. Current research is exploring their use in psilocybin-assisted therapy for mental health disorders such as major depression, anxiety, cluster headaches, and migraines.
In order to understand how shrooms can potentially assist in treating these conditions, it’s imperative to examine how they are metabolized by the human body. This knowledge aids both researchers and users in understanding how the active compound produces its psychological and therapeutic effects. This article is a basic overview of the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of psilocybin.
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Key Takeaways:
- When psychedelic fungi are ingested, half of the consumed amount is absorbed and dispersed throughout the body.
- The compound in the fungi undergoes dephosphorylation via the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, mainly in the liver.
- Approximately 3.4% of the compound is excreted unchanged within 24 hours, with the majority being expelled as a stable metabolite.
What is Pharmacokinetics?
Pharmacokinetics (PK) is the study of how substances, such as drugs, are processed by the body once they are ingested. Although related, it’s different from pharmacodynamics, which explores how a compound interacts with the body. PK focuses on four main aspects: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
Understanding these processes helps healthcare professionals prescribe medications that are most beneficial and least risky. It also enables them to customize treatments based on each patient’s unique physiological makeup and lifestyle.
How Does Pharmacokinetics Relate to Psilocybin?
Psilocybin and psilocin, the primary active compounds in certain species of magic mushrooms, have garnered significant attention from researchers and users. Pharmacokinetics provides insights into how these mushroom compounds are processed by the body and contributes to understanding their potential effects, whether for medicinal or recreational use.
These compounds, often referred to as “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred,” are found in specific fungi. When these fungi are consumed, The Mushroom species, their place of origin, size, the conditions in which they grow and dry, and their age can lead to substantial differences in their concentrations.
Although these mushrooms can be found in the wild, scientists have pioneered techniques to produce them in a laboratory. Both natural and laboratory-grown versions display low toxicity, but minor side effects such as nausea or vomiting can occur.
Despite these physical side effects, the compounds in the mushrooms exhibit potential therapeutic benefits due to their safety and non-addictiveness. This has prompted researchers to explore their use in psychotherapy, specifically for treating anxiety and depression.
The 4 Phases of Pharmacokinetics
Psilocybin, the compound 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 transformation, assisting psilocin to be absorbed and disseminated throughout the body, affecting various tissues. However, after oral ingestion, psilocybin can’t be traced in the circulatory system, feces, or urine.
Absorption
Absorption refers to 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. Oral administration is the most commonly used method. Inhalation has been tried but is less effective than oral intake.
The absorption process also includes the release of the compound from its dosage form during oral ingestion. Factors like delays in the throat or esophagus can affect this, possibly slowing down the effects or causing discomfort. Once the compound reaches the stomach, the acidic environment may start breaking it down before it enters the bloodstream.
Studies on animals suggest that only about 50% of orally ingested psychedelics are absorbed and dispersed 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: A full stomach can delay the process as it slows the onset of effects. Faster absorption is possible with an empty stomach.
- Body Fat: Substances can potentially accumulate in fat tissues, potentially prolonging their effects.
- Age: As we age, there can be changes in metabolic rates and body composition.
- Zero-Order Kinetics: This method eliminates the substance at a steady rate, regardless of the concentration.
- First-Order Kinetics: The speed of removal is directly proportional to the drug’s concentration.
Aspects like the dimensions, polarity, and protein-binding capacity of the substance, in conjunction with individual physiological factors—such as hydration status and body composition—significantly affect this dispersion process.
The goal is for the substance to reach an effective concentration at the intended site. To achieve efficacy, the substance needs to arrive at the predetermined area (as indicated by the volume of distribution) and remain unattached to proteins, facilitating active interaction with its receptor.
What Factors Influence the Dispersion Process?
Several elements can influence the dispersion process:
Typically, the effects begin to manifest around 20-40 minutes post-consumption, reaching a peak at roughly 80-100 minutes. The effects of magic mushrooms usually last for a span of 4-6 hours.
How Does Dispersion to the Brain Happen?
An early experimental investigation carried out on two species demonstrated that its binding affinity sequence 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 ascribed to its partial agonist activity at 5HT1A autoreceptors.
The enhancement of mood and psychotomimetic experiences might be linked to the observed association between increased dopamine levels and sensations of depersonalization and euphoria. Hallucinogens work by modifying neurochemistry and receptor activity. It amplifies 5HT2A agonist activity, leading to an increase in BDNF synthesis in the hippocampus. This, in turn, encourages neurogenesis and reduces conditioned fear-related behaviors.
Elimination
Elimination refers to the process by which the
The human body excretes a substance through various organs like the kidneys, lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. For the kidneys, a naturally occurring psychedelic drug is either filtered in the glomerulus or secreted in the tubules, making the process intricate due to some level of reabsorption.
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 most of this substance is eliminated through urine, making up approximately 65% within 8 hours of consumption. Lesser amounts of the substance can also be traced in bile and feces.
In humans, around 3.4% of the substance is excreted in its original form within 24 hours, while the rest is expelled as psilocin-O-glucuronide, a more stable metabolite. The stability of this compound allows it to be identified in urine samples over extended periods.
The substance is primarily expelled in two ways:
Most psychedelic drugs follow the first-order kinetics method, reaching stable levels after four to five half-lives. Complete removal also happens after the same duration.
Discover Our Variety of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms
Metabolic processes differ among various types of fungi. Buying from reliable online vendors like Magic Mushrooms Ottawa Canada can help avoid accidental ingestion of poisonous mushrooms. Some species, for instance, Agaric mushrooms, may induce severe and undesirable effects. Hence, it is essential to obtain magic mushrooms from trustworthy sources instead of unreliable street vendors or wild harvesting.
| 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 | Resembles a brain or cauliflower | Characteristic appearance of cubensis; moderate in size | Sturdy white stems; caps in a shade of golden caramel; visible blue discoloration upon bruising |
| Effects | Considered the most potent; generates intense effects | A powerful mental high; onset is delayed but visuals are distinct | Powerful visual experiences and feelings of joy |
Discover Psilocybin Mushroom Use Online
It is crucial for medical professionals, researchers, and users to understand the pharmacokinetics of shrooms. This knowledge enables you to make educated decisions about dosage and timing, thus reducing potential risks.
Discover your perfect psychedelic experience at Magic Mushrooms Ottawa Canada. Whether you desire a peaceful journey or a deeper exploration, our wide range of products is tailored to meet your unique needs. Experience first-rate, safe, and quality-assured shrooms, eliminating worries about unreliable sources or poisonous mushrooms.
Experience the best magic mushrooms Canada has to offer and take your psychedelic journey to new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any identified interactions between shrooms and other drugs?
Our products may potentially interact with specific medications, particularly those that affect serotonin levels, such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). SSRIs and SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) generally reduce the effects, unlike non-serotonergic antidepressants. This reduced effect can last up to three months after stopping the use of the antidepressant.
Do all psychedelics follow the same metabolic pathway as psilocybin?
No, each psychedelic substance has a unique structure that requires different metabolic processes to become active, and they attach to various receptors in the body. The way of administration also affects the absorption of each psychedelic. While the basic principles of absorption, metabolism, and distribution are the same, the specific pathways and effects vary for each substance.
Can the form of the shroom affect the pharmacokinetics?
Yes, the form (be it fresh, powdered, or dried mushrooms) can influence the absorption speed. For example, powdered forms might be absorbed faster than whole dried ones due to quicker dissolution.
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