Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as traditional psychedelics, function as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist, similar to LSD. They are presently under investigation for their potential use in psilocybin-enhanced therapies for mental health issues, such as severe depression, anxiety, cluster headaches, and migraines.
In order to understand how shrooms can be beneficial for these conditions, it is essential to study how they are metabolized in the body. This knowledge can help both researchers and users to comprehend how the active compound produces its psychological and therapeutic effects. This article presents a basic overview of the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of psilocybin.
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Key Takeaways:
- When psychedelic fungi are ingested, half of it is absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
- The compound in fungi undergoes dephosphorylation via the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, largely in the liver.
- Approximately 3.4% of the compound is expelled in its original form within 24 hours, while majority is excreted as a stable metabolite.
What is Pharmacokinetics?
Pharmacokinetics (PK) is a field of study that focuses on how the body processes substances like drugs after they are introduced into the system. It is different but related to pharmacodynamics, which studies how a compound interacts with the body. PK primarily deals with four aspects: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
Understanding these processes enables medical professionals to prescribe the most effective medications with the least risk. It also helps them to customize treatments according to each patient’s unique physiology and lifestyle.
How Does Pharmacokinetics Relate to Psilocybin?
Psilocybin and psilocin, the main active compounds in certain types of magic mushrooms, have garnered significant interest from both researchers and users. Pharmacokinetics studies how the body interacts with mushrooms containing psilocybin and helps understand their potential effects, whether they be medicinal or recreational.
These compounds are often referred to as “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred.” The fungi that contain these compounds are ingested, with the Mushroom species, origin, size, growth and drying conditions, and age can significantly alter their concentrations.
Although these shrooms naturally exist in the wild, scientists have found ways to create them in a lab. Both natural and lab-grown versions have low toxicity, but they may cause minor side effects such as nausea or vomiting.
Despite these physical reactions, the compounds in the shrooms have demonstrated potential therapeutic advantages due to their safety and non-addictiveness. These potential advantages have spurred researchers to explore their use in psychotherapy, specifically for treating anxiety and depression.
Pharmacokinetics in Four Stages
Psilocybin, the compound present in these mushrooms, is initially inactive and acts as a prodrug. It transforms into its active form, psilocin, with the help of enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase. This transformation allows psilocin to be absorbed and distributed throughout the body, reaching different tissues. However, after oral consumption, psilocybin cannot be detected in the circulatory system, feces, or urine.
Absorption
Absorption refers to the process where the compound enters the bloodstream from its point of administration. This process impacts the speed and effectiveness with which the compound reaches its target, like the plasma. The most common method of administration is oral. Inhalation has been tried but has proven to be less effective than ingestion.
The absorption process also includes the compound’s release from the dosage form during oral consumption. Factors like a delay in the throat or esophagus can affect this, potentially slowing down results or causing discomfort. Once the compound arrives in the stomach, it may start to degrade due to the acidic environment before it gets absorbed into the bloodstream.
Studies on animals suggest that only around 50% of orally administered psychedelics get absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
Factors Affecting the Absorption Process
Various factors can influence the absorption process, resulting in differences in onset, intensity, and duration:
- Stomach Content: A full stomach can delay absorption as it slows the onset of effects. Faster absorption is possible on an empty stomach.
- Body Fat: Substances may accumulate in fat cells, potentially prolonging their effects.
- Age: Changes in metabolic rates and body composition are common with aging.
- Zero-Order Kinetics: The substance is eliminated at a regular rate, regardless of its concentration.
- First-Order Kinetics: The elimination rate is proportional to the substance’s concentration.
Distribution involves the dispersal of psilocin in the body after entering the bloodstream. Psilocin, being lipophilic, can pass the blood-brain barrier to reach the central nervous system.
system.This process is influenced by various factors including the product’s size, polarity, and protein-binding capacity, as well as individual physiological aspects such as hydration status and body composition.
The aim is to achieve a sufficient concentration at the target site. This requires the product to reach the specified location, determined by the volume of distribution, while remaining unbound to proteins, which allows it to actively interact with its receptor.
What Affects the Distribution Process?
Several elements can influence the distribution process:
Effects usually start to manifest 20-40 minutes after ingestion, peaking at around 80-100 minutes. The effects of magic mushrooms typically last between 4-6 hours.
How is Distribution to the Brain Achieved?
An initial experimental study on two species showed that its binding affinity order 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 about 40% efficacy. The psychedelic effects are likely due to its partial agonist activity at 5HT1A autoreceptors.
The elevation in mood and psychotomimetic experiences may be related to the correlated increase in dopamine levels and feelings of bliss and depersonalization. Hallucinogens work by altering neurochemistry and receptor activity. It enhances 5HT2A agonist activity by augmenting BDNF synthesis in the hippocampus, which promotes neurogenesis and reduces conditioned fear responses.
Process of Excretion
Excretion is the method by which the
The human body expels substances primarily via the kidneys, but also through the lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. In particular, the kidneys filter out a naturally occurring psychedelic drug in the glomerulus or secrete it in the tubules. Some reabsorption occurs, adding complexity to the process.
The primary compound’s half-life is about 160 minutes, while psilocin has a half-life of approximately 50 minutes. Animal studies indicate that this is mostly excreted in the urine, accounting for around 65% within 8 hours post-consumption. Smaller quantities of the substance can still be detected in the bile and feces.
In human bodies, about 3.4% of the substance is excreted in its original form within a day. However, most of it is eliminated as psilocin-O-glucuronide, a more stable metabolite. This stability allows the compound’s presence to be detected in urine samples for an extended period.
There are two main methods of substance elimination:
Most psychedelic drugs follow the first-order kinetics model, reaching steady-state concentrations after around four to five half-lives. Full elimination also generally occurs after four to five half-lives.
Discover Our Range of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms
The metabolic process differs across various types of fungi. By choosing reliable online vendors like 3 Amigos Canada, you can prevent inadvertent consumption of poisonous mushrooms. Certain types, such as Agaric mushrooms, may trigger strong and adverse effects. Therefore, it’s vital to procure magic mushrooms from trusted dispensaries rather than taking chances with 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 | Structure similar to a cauliflower or brain | Takes on the traditional look of cubensis; moderate in size | Featuring thick white stems, golden caramel caps, and noticeable blue bruising |
| Effects | Known as the most potent variety, yielding intense effects | Delivers a powerful mental high, with a delayed onset that leads to pronounced visuals | Produces strong visual effects and euphoria |
Explore the Use of Psilocybin Mushrooms Online
For health professionals, researchers, and users, understanding the pharmacokinetics of shrooms is crucial. This knowledge enables the making of informed decisions regarding dosage and timing, thus reducing potential risks.
Discover your perfect psychedelic experience at 3 Amigos Canada. Whether you’re in search of a soothing journey or a deeper exploration, our diverse collection is purposefully crafted to meet your unique needs. Enjoy superior, safe, and quality-assured shrooms, without worrying about dubious sources or harmful mushrooms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do shrooms interact with any other medications?
Our products may interact with certain medications, particularly those affecting 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 may last for up to three months after discontinuing the use of the antidepressant.
Do all psychedelics operate on the same pathway as psilocybin?
No, each psychedelic substance has a unique structure that requires different metabolic processes to activate, and they bind to various receptors in the body. The way of administration also affects each psychedelic’s absorption. While the basic principles of absorption, metabolism, and distribution remain the same, the specific pathways and effects vary for each substance.
Does the form of the shroom affect its pharmacokinetics?
Yes, the form of the shroom (e.g., fresh, powdered, or dried) can affect the rate of absorption. For example, powdered forms may be absorbed more quickly than whole dried ones due to faster dissolution.
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