Psilocybin mushrooms, functioning like LSD as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist, are a class of traditional psychedelics. Presently, research is being conducted on their role in psilocybin-assisted therapy for various mental health conditions, such as emotional distress linked to major depression, anxiety, cluster headaches, and migraines.
To grasp how shrooms assist in alleviating these conditions, it’s essential to explore their metabolic process within the body. This knowledge allows both researchers and users to comprehend how the active compound induces psychological and therapeutic effects. This article offers a basic overview of psilocybin’s pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.
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Key Points:
- Half of the consumed psychedelic fungi is absorbed and distributed in the body when taken orally.
- The compound in the fungi undergoes dephosphorylation, primarily in the liver, through the enzyme alkaline phosphatase.
- Approximately 3.4% of the compound is expelled in its original form within 24 hours, with the majority being excreted 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 administered. While related, it is distinct from pharmacodynamics, which looks at how a compound interacts with the body. PK focuses on four main areas: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
The comprehension of these processes enables healthcare experts to prescribe the most effective medications with the least risk. It also allows them to customize treatments based on each patient’s unique physiology and lifestyle.
How Does Pharmacokinetics Relate to Psilocybin?
Psilocybin and psilocin, the primary active compounds in certain types of magic mushrooms, have captivated considerable attention among researchers and users. Pharmacokinetics investigates how the body processes mushrooms containing psilocybin and aids in understanding their potential effects, be they medicinal or recreational.
These compounds are often referred to as “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred.” The fungi housing these compounds are consumed, with the Species of mushrooms, their geographical origins, size, growth and drying conditions, along with their age can lead to significant differences in their concentrations.
While these mushrooms naturally grow in the wild, scientists have devised ways to artificially produce them in labs. Both the naturally grown and lab-produced variants exhibit low toxicity, although minor side effects such as nausea or vomiting might occur.
Despite these physical side effects, the compounds present in these mushrooms have demonstrated potential therapeutic properties due to their safe profile and non-addictive nature. This potential has spurred researchers to explore their usage in psychotherapy, especially as a treatment for anxiety and depression.
The Four Phases of Pharmacokinetics
Psilocybin, the compound present in these mushrooms, is inactive in its original state and functions as a prodrug, converting into its active form, psilocin. Enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase facilitate this conversion, thereby enabling psilocin to be absorbed and circulated throughout the body, reaching various tissues. Notwithstanding, post oral administration, traces of psilocybin cannot be found in the circulatory system, feces, or urine.
Absorption
Absorption is the process through which the compound enters the bloodstream from its site of administration. It impacts the speed and effectiveness with which the compound reaches its target, such as the plasma. The oral route is the most commonly used method of administration. Inhalation has been tried, but it is not as successful as oral ingestion.
The absorption process also involves the release of the compound from the dosage form during oral ingestion. Factors such as delay in the throat or esophagus can affect this, potentially slowing down the effects or causing irritation. Once the compound reaches the stomach, the acidic environment may start to break it down before it gets into the bloodstream.
According to animal studies, only about half of the orally administered psychedelics get absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
Factors Affecting the Absorption Process
There are several factors that can affect the absorption process, leading to variations in the onset, intensity, and duration:
- Contents of the Stomach: Having a full stomach can delay the process as it slows down the onset of effects. Conversely, an empty stomach allows for quicker absorption.
- Body Fat: Substances may accumulate in fat tissues, potentially prolonging their effects.
- Age: Body composition and metabolic rates often change with age.
- Zero-Order Kinetics: The substance is expelled at a steady rate, regardless of its concentration.
- First-Order Kinetics: The elimination rate is proportional to the concentration of the drug.
The phosphate group in psilocybin has strong polarity, which, when combined with the positive charge of the amine group, makes the molecule zwitterionic and enhances its water solubility relative to psilocin. Without the phosphate group, psilocin becomes more lipid-soluble, metabolically available, and more easily absorbed in the intestines.
class=”wp-block-heading”>Distribution DynamicsThe term ‘Distribution’ describes how psilocin, once in the bloodstream, disperses throughout the body. Due to its lipophilic nature, psilocin can traverse the blood-brain barrier to reach the central nervous system.
The process is influenced by factors like the size, polarity, and protein-binding capability of the substance, as well as individual physiological factors such as hydration status and body composition.
The goal is to achieve an effective concentration at the targeted location. For optimum effectiveness, the substance must reach the predetermined area (as defined by the volume of distribution) and remain unattached to proteins, allowing it to actively interact with its receptor.
Factors Affecting the Distribution Process
Several elements can influence the distribution process:
Typically, the effects manifest within 20-40 minutes post-consumption, reaching their peak between 80-100 minutes. The impact of magic mushrooms generally lasts between 4-6 hours.
How Does Brain Distribution Happen?
A preliminary study conducted on two species showed that the binding affinity sequence is 5HT2A > 5HT1A > 5HT2B [23]. It also binds with dopamine D1, 5HT1E, 5HT5A, 5HT7, 5HT6, D3, 5HT2C, and 5HT1B receptors.
It acts as a partial agonist at the 5HT2A receptor, exhibiting approximately 40% efficacy. The psychedelic effects are likely due to its partial agonist activity at 5HT1A autoreceptors.
The observed increase in dopamine levels, which are linked with feelings of depersonalization and euphoria, may contribute to the mood-enhancing and psychotomimetic experiences. Hallucinogens work by modifying neurochemistry and receptor activity. They enhance 5HT2A agonist activity, which increases BDNF production in the hippocampus. This, in turn, fosters neurogenesis and reduces conditioned fear-related behaviours.
Elimination
The elimination process refers to how the
The body removes a substance mainly through the kidneys, but also through the lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract. In the kidneys, a naturally occurring psychedelic drug is either filtered in the glomerulus or secreted in the tubules, with some reabsorption adding a layer of complexity to the process.
The primary compound has a half-life of about 160 minutes, and psilocin’s half-life is approximately 50 minutes. Animal studies have demonstrated that this substance is mainly expelled through urine, making up roughly 65% within 8 hours of consumption. Residual traces of the substance can still be detected in smaller amounts in bile and feces.
In the human body, about 3.4% of the substance is discharged in its original form within 24 hours, while the rest is eliminated as psilocin-O-glucuronide, a more stable metabolite. This increased stability allows for the compound’s detection in urine samples for a more extended period.
There are two main methods by which substances are eliminated:
Most psychedelic drugs follow the first-order kinetics method, reaching a steady state after four to five half-lives. Complete removal also happens after about four to five half-lives.
Discover Our Range of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms
The metabolic process can differ among various fungi types. Shopping from reliable online vendors like Magic Mushrooms Calgary Canada can help prevent unintentional consumption of poisonous mushrooms. Some varieties, like Agaric mushrooms, can induce strong and undesirable effects. Thus, it’s essential to obtain magic mushrooms from trustworthy dispensaries instead of risky 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 cauliflower or brain-like structure | Displays traditional appearance of cubensis; medium-sized | Features thick white stems; golden caramel caps; visible blue bruising |
| Effects | Recognized as the most potent; generates intense effects | Produces a strong mental high; onset is delayed with prominent visuals | Delivers potent visuals and euphoria |
Explore Psilocybin Mushroom Usage Online
Grasping the pharmacokinetics of shrooms is essential for healthcare providers, scientists, and users. Armed with this information, you can make educated decisions about dosage and timing, thus reducing potential risks.
Discover your perfect psychedelic experience at Magic Mushrooms Calgary Canada. Whether you desire a soothing journey or a deeper exploration, our wide array of products is designed to meet your specific requirements. Enjoy superior, safe, and quality-assured shrooms, eliminating worries about questionable sources or harmful mushrooms.
Experience the best magic mushrooms Canada has to offer and take your psychedelic journey to new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any recognized interactions between shrooms and other medications?
Our products might potentially interact with certain medications, particularly those that affect serotonin levels, like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). SSRIs and SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) usually 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 pathway as psilocybin?
No, each psychedelic substance has a unique structure requiring specific metabolic processes to become active, and they bind to different receptors in the body. The route of administration also impacts the absorption of each psychedelic. While the basic principles of absorption, metabolism, and distribution stay the same, the specific pathways and effects vary for each substance.
Can the form of the shroom affect the pharmacokinetics?
Yes, the form (whether fresh, powdered, or dried mushrooms) can influence the absorption rate. For example, powdered forms might be absorbed faster than whole dried ones due to quicker dissolution.
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