Psilocybin mushrooms, akin to LSD in their role as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist, represent a conventional class of psychedelic substances. Current research is exploring their potential use in psilocybin-assisted therapy for a range of mental health disorders, such as major depression, anxiety, cluster headaches, and migraines.
Understanding how shrooms can alleviate these conditions requires a closer look at how they are metabolized by the body. This insight can help both researchers and users grasp how the active compound triggers 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 mushrooms’ compound undergoes dephosphorylation via the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, predominantly in the liver.
- Approximately 3.4% of the compound is expelled in its original form within 24 hours, the rest being discharged as a stable metabolite.
What is Pharmacokinetics?
Pharmacokinetics (PK) refers to the study of how substances, such as drugs, are processed by the body once ingested. It is a separate but related field to pharmacodynamics, which focuses on how a substance interacts with the body. PK primarily covers four aspects: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
This understanding is crucial for healthcare professionals when prescribing medications that yield maximum benefits with minimal risks. It also allows them to customize treatments according to the unique physiology and lifestyle of each patient.
How does Pharmacokinetics Relate to Psilocybin?
The dominant active compounds in certain species of magic mushrooms, psilocybin and psilocin, have piqued considerable interest among scientists and users. Pharmacokinetics looks at how the body processes mushrooms containing psilocybin and aids in understanding their potential effects, whether medicinal or recreational.
These compounds go by various names, including “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred.” The mushrooms encompassing these compounds are consumed, and the mushroom types, their place of origin, size, growth and drying conditions, as well as their age, can lead to considerable differences in their potency levels.
Although these mushrooms naturally grow in the wild, scientists have devised ways to manufacture them in laboratories. Both natural and lab-grown versions exhibit low toxicity, though minor side effects such as nausea or vomiting may occur.
Despite these physical side effects, the compounds in these mushrooms have demonstrated potential therapeutic benefits due to their safe profile and lack of addictive properties. This has sparked interest in their application in psychotherapy, particularly in treating anxiety and depression.
The 4 Phases of Pharmacokinetics
Psilocybin, the compound found in these mushrooms, is inactive in its raw form and acts as a prodrug, which is converted into its active form, psilocin. Enzymes like alkaline phosphatase facilitate this transformation, allowing psilocin to be absorbed and distributed throughout the body, reaching various tissues. However, following oral consumption, psilocybin cannot be detected in the circulatory system, fecal matter, or urine.
Absorption
Absorption refers to the process through which the compound enters the bloodstream from the point of administration. This process affects the speed and effectiveness of the compound reaching its target, such as the plasma. Oral consumption is the most common route of administration. Although inhalation has been tried, it is less effective than ingestion.
The absorption process also involves the release of the compound from the dosage form during oral ingestion. Factors such as a delay in the throat or esophagus can affect this, potentially causing a slowdown in results or irritation. Once the compound arrives in 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 get 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: Having a full stomach can prolong the process as it slows down the onset of effects. Absorption is faster with an empty stomach.
- Body Fat: Substances may accumulate in fat tissue, potentially prolonging their effects.
- Age: Both metabolic rates and body composition can vary with age.
- Zero-Order Kinetics: Substance is eliminated at a steady rate, regardless of its concentration.
- First-Order Kinetics: The elimination rate is directly proportional to the drug’s concentration.
Dissemination describes how psilocin is distributed throughout the body once it enters the bloodstream. Because it’s lipophilic, psilocin can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and access the central nervous system.
This process is influenced by factors such as the product’s size, polarity, and protein-binding capacity, as well as the individual’s physiology. This includes hydration levels and body composition.
The goal is to achieve an effective concentration at the target site. For effectiveness, the product must reach the specified area—demarcated by the volume of distribution—and remain unbound to proteins, allowing it to interact with its receptor dynamically.
What Affects the Dissemination Process?
Several factors can impact the dissemination process:
Generally, effects begin to surface within 20-40 minutes of consumption, reach their peak around 80-100 minutes, and typically last between 4-6 hours when consuming magic mushrooms.
How Is Dissemination to the Brain Facilitated?
An initial experimental study on two species showed that its binding affinity order is 5HT2A > 5HT1A > 5HT2B [23]. It also connects 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 around 40%. The psychedelic effects can be linked to its partial agonist activity at 5HT1A autoreceptors.
Enhancements in mood and psychotomimetic experiences may be associated with the correlation seen between increased dopamine levels and feelings of depersonalization and elation. Hallucinogens work by changing neurochemistry and receptor activity. They enhance 5HT2A agonist activity by boosting BDNF synthesis in the hippocampus, promoting neurogenesis, and reducing conditioned fear-related behaviours.
Elimination
Elimination is the process in which the
The body expels substances primarily via the kidneys, but also through the lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract. In the case of the kidneys, they filter out a naturally occurring psychedelic drug in the glomerulus or secrete it in the tubules, with some reabsorption adding complexity to the process.
The primary compound has a half-life of about 160 minutes, while psilocin’s half-life is approximately 50 minutes. Animal studies indicate that the substance is primarily excreted in the urine, accounting for about 65% within 8 hours. Residual traces of the substance can be detected in smaller amounts in bile and feces after consumption.
In humans, about 3.4% of the substance is expelled in its original form within 24 hours, while the rest is expelled as psilocin-O-glucuronide, a more stable metabolite. This stability allows the compound to be detected in urine samples over a longer duration.
There are two main methods of substance excretion:
Most psychedelic drugs follow the first-order kinetics method, reaching steady-state concentrations after four to five half-lives. Complete elimination also occurs after four to five half-lives.
Discover Our Range of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms
The metabolic process varies between different types of fungi. By purchasing from reliable online vendors like Shrooms Edibles Online Canada, you can steer clear of accidentally ingesting toxic mushrooms. Certain types, such as Agaric mushrooms, can induce strong and unpleasant effects. Hence, it’s critical to procure magic mushrooms from trustworthy dispensaries, rather than precarious 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 | Exceptionally high; 3.8% tryptamine content | Moderate to high potency | High potency | |
| Visual Characteristics | Resembles a blob or | Resembles a cauliflower or brain | Takes on the standard appearance of Cubensis mushrooms; of a moderate size | Has thick white stems; caps are a golden caramel color; blue bruising is visible |
| Effects | Considered the most potent, yielding intense effects | Induces a robust mental high; onset is delayed but visuals are significant | Produces strong visual effects and feelings of euphoria |
Explore the Use of Psilocybin Mushrooms Online
Grasping the pharmacokinetics of shrooms is essential for medical practitioners, researchers, and users. This understanding allows you to make educated decisions regarding dosage and timing, thereby reducing potential risks.
Discover your perfect psychedelic experience at Shrooms Edibles Online Canada. Whether you’re in search of a serene journey or a deeper exploration, our diverse selection is designed to meet your unique needs. Enjoy top-quality, safe, and well-regulated shrooms, eliminating worries about unreliable sources or poisonous mushrooms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do shrooms have any known interactions with other medications?
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) tend to reduce the effects, unlike non-serotonergic antidepressants. This reduced effect can continue for up to three months after stopping the use of the antidepressant.
Do all psychedelics operate in the same way as psilocybin?
No, each psychedelic substance has a unique structure that requires different metabolic processes to activate, and they bind to a variety of receptors in the body. The route 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 mushroom affect its pharmacokinetics?
Yes, the form (be it fresh, powdered, or dried mushrooms) can alter the absorption rate. For example, powdered forms might be absorbed more quickly than whole dried ones due to faster dissolution.
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