Psilocybin mushrooms, a traditional psychedelic similar to LSD as they also act as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist, are currently under exploration in psilocybin-assisted therapy for various mental health conditions. These include major depression-related emotional distress, anxiety, cluster headaches, and migraines.
To understand how shrooms help in mitigating these conditions, it’s essential to explore their metabolism in the body. This knowledge enables researchers and users to understand how the active compound triggers psychological and therapeutic effects. This article offers a basic overview of psilocybin’s pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.
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Key Points:
- About half of the consumed psychedelic fungi is absorbed orally and distributed throughout the body.
- The fungi compound is dephosphorylated by the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, primarily in the liver.
- Approximately 3.4% of the compound is excreted in its original form within 24 hours, while the rest is expelled as a stable metabolite.
What is Pharmacokinetics?
Pharmacokinetics (PK) involves studying how substances, for example, drugs, are processed by the body upon ingestion. It is closely related to but distinct from pharmacodynamics, which focuses on a compound’s interaction with the body. PK explores four main aspects: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
This understanding enables healthcare professionals to prescribe the most effective drugs with minimal risk, and tailor treatments to each patient’s unique physiology and lifestyle.
How Does Pharmacokinetics Relate to Psilocybin?
The primary active compounds in certain magic mushroom species, psilocybin, and psilocin, have piqued significant interest among researchers and users. Pharmacokinetics studies how these mushrooms are processed by the body, providing insights into their potential effects, whether for medicinal or recreational purposes.
These compounds, also known as “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred,” are contained in fungi that are consumed. The Mushroom species, origin, size, growth and drying conditions, as well as age, can all result in significant variations in their concentrations.
While these mushrooms naturally grow in the wild, scientists have devised ways to synthesize them in labs. Both natural and lab-produced versions exhibit low toxicity, but minor side effects such as nausea or vomiting may still occur.
Despite these physical side effects, these mushrooms’ compounds have demonstrated potential therapeutic benefits due to their safe profile and non-addictive nature. As a result, researchers are exploring their use in psychotherapy, particularly for treating anxiety and depression.
The 4 Stages 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 transformation, allowing psilocin to be absorbed and distributed throughout the body, reaching various tissues. However, after oral ingestion, psilocybin cannot be detected in the circulatory system, feces, or urine.
Absorption
Absorption is the process by which the compound enters the bloodstream from the site of administration. It affects the speed and effectiveness with which the compound reaches its target, such as the plasma. Oral consumption is the most common method of administration. Inhalation has been tried, but it is not as efficient as oral intake.
The process of absorption also entails the release of the compound from the dosage form during oral intake. Factors such as a hold-up in the throat or esophagus can affect this, potentially slowing down the effects or causing discomfort. Once the compound reaches the stomach, the acidic environment may start to break it down before it enters the bloodstream.
Studies in animals suggest 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: A full stomach can delay the process as it postpones the onset of effects. On the other hand, an empty stomach allows for quicker absorption.
- Body Fat: Compounds can accumulate in fat tissues, which could potentially prolong their effects.
- Age: Metabolic rates and body composition can vary with age.
- Zero-Order Kinetics: The 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.
Distribution is the process by which psilocin, once in the bloodstream, disperses throughout the body. Due to its lipophilic nature, psilocin can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and infiltrate the central nervous system.
The product’s size, polarity, and ability to bind with proteins, along with personal physiological factors—like hydration status and body composition—significantly impact this process.
The aim is to achieve an effective concentration at the target location. For the product to work effectively, it must reach the intended site, as indicated by the distribution volume, and remain unattached to proteins, thus enabling active interaction with its receptor.
Factors Impacting the Distribution Process
Several factors can influence the distribution process:
The effects typically manifest between 20-40 minutes post-consumption and peak around 80-100 minutes. The impact of magic mushrooms generally lasts between 4-6 hours.
Distribution to the Brain
A preliminary experimental study on two species found that the binding affinity order is 5HT2A > 5HT1A > 5HT2B [23]. It also attaches to dopamine D1, 5HT1E, 5HT5A, 5HT7, 5HT6, D3, 5HT2C, and 5HT1B receptors.
At the 5HT2A receptor, it acts as a partial agonist, with approximately 40% efficacy. Its psychedelic effects are likely due to its partial agonist activity at 5HT1A autoreceptors.
The enhancement of mood and psychotomimetic experiences could be linked to the observed correlation between increased dopamine levels and feelings of depersonalization and euphoria. Hallucinogens operate by modifying neurochemistry and receptor action. They amplify 5HT2A agonist activity by boosting BDNF synthesis in the hippocampus, thereby promoting neurogenesis and reducing conditioned fear-related behaviors.
Excretion Process
Excretion is the mechanism through which the
The human body primarily expels compounds through the kidneys, but also via the lungs, skin, or digestive system. In the case of the kidneys, a naturally occurring psychedelic drug can be filtered in the glomerulus or secreted in the tubules, and the process is further complicated by some reabsorption.
The primary compound has a half-life of roughly 160 minutes, while psilocin’s half-life is around 50 minutes. Animal studies suggest that most of it is excreted in the urine, accounting for about 65% within 8 hours of consumption. Residual amounts of the substance can also be found in the bile and feces.
In human beings, around 3.4% of the consumed substance is expelled in its original form within 24 hours, while the majority is eliminated as psilocin-O-glucuronide, a more stable metabolite. This stability allows the compound to be traceable in urine samples for an extended period.
Substances are primarily excreted through two methods:
Most psychedelic drugs are eliminated following the first-order kinetics method, reaching stable 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 with different fungi. By choosing reliable online retailers like Strongest Magic Mushroom Strain Canada, you can avoid the risk of consuming poisonous mushrooms. Certain species, such as Agaric mushrooms, might yield strong and undesirable effects. Hence, it’s critical to obtain magic mushrooms from trusted sources rather than unreliable 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 | Extremely high; 3.8% tryptamine content | Medium to high potency | High potency | |
| Appearance | Looks like a blob or | Resembles a cauliflower or brain structure | Typical appearance of cubensis; of moderate size | Bulky white stems; caramel-gold caps; apparent blue bruising |
| Effects | Considered the most powerful; generates intense effects | Powerful mental high; slow onset with noticeable visuals | Intense visuals and euphoria |
Explore Psilocybin Mushroom Usage Online
For medical professionals, researchers, and users alike, understanding the pharmacokinetics of shrooms is crucial. Armed with this understanding, you can make informed decisions regarding dosage and timing, thus reducing potential risks.
Discover your perfect psychedelic journey at Strongest Magic Mushroom Strain Canada. Whether you’re after a soothing trip or a deeper exploration, our wide-ranging product selection is tailored to meet your unique needs. We provide top-tier, safe, and quality-controlled shrooms, eliminating worries about dubious sources or poisonous mushrooms.
Sample the best magic mushrooms Canada has to offer and take your psychedelic experience to new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any known interactions between shrooms and other medications?
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) often reduce the effects, unlike non-serotonergic antidepressants. This reduced effect can last for up to three months after discontinuing the antidepressant.
Do all psychedelics follow the same pathway as psilocybin?
No, each psychedelic compound has a distinct structure that requires different metabolic processes to activate, and they connect with various receptors in the body. The mode of administration also affects each psychedelic’s absorption. While the basic principles of absorption, metabolism, and distribution are consistent, the specific pathways and effects vary for each substance.
Can the form of the shroom affect the pharmacokinetics?
Yes, the form (fresh, powdered, or dried mushrooms) can influence the absorption rate. For instance, powdered forms may be absorbed faster than whole dried ones due to immediate dissolution.
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