Psilocybin mushrooms, similar to LSD in that they act as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist, are a classic type of psychedelic. Currently, they’re under investigation for their potential in psilocybin-assisted therapy for various mental health disorders, such as emotional distress linked with major depression, anxiety, cluster headaches, and migraines.
To understand how shrooms can help with these conditions, we must delve into their metabolic processes in the body. This knowledge enables both researchers and consumers to understand how the active compound induces psychological and therapeutic effects. This article presents a basic overview of the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of psilocybin.
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Key Points:
- Half of the ingested psychedelic fungi is absorbed and spread throughout the body.
- The fungi’s compound undergoes dephosphorylation, mainly in the liver, through the enzyme alkaline phosphatase.
- Approximately 3.4% of the compound is expelled in its original form within 24 hours, while the rest is mostly eliminated as a stable metabolite.
What Does Pharmacokinetics Mean?
Pharmacokinetics (PK) is the science of how substances like drugs are processed in the body after intake. Though related, it’s different from pharmacodynamics, which studies how a compound interacts with the body. PK explores four main areas: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
Understanding these processes enables healthcare providers to prescribe the most effective medications with the least risks. Additionally, it helps them customize treatments according to each patient’s individual physiology and lifestyle.
How Does Pharmacokinetics Relate to Psilocybin?
Psilocybin and psilocin, the main active compounds in certain magic mushroom species, have garnered significant attention from both researchers and users. Pharmacokinetics looks at how the body processes mushrooms containing psilocybin, helping to understand their potential effects, be it medicinal or recreational.
These compounds have various names, including “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred.” The fungi that contain these compounds are usually consumed, with the types of mushrooms, their place of origin, size, the conditions in which they grow and dry, and their age can significantly alter their concentrations.
These mushrooms naturally occur in the wild, but scientists have also devised ways to create them in a lab. Both the naturally occurring and synthesized versions exhibit low toxicity, although minor side effects such as nausea or vomiting might be experienced.
Notwithstanding the physical effects, the compounds in these mushrooms have shown promising therapeutic benefits due to their safe profile and non-addictive characteristics. These benefits have prompted researchers to explore their potential in psychotherapy, particularly as a treatment for anxiety and depression.
The 4 Phases of Pharmacokinetics
Psilocybin, the compound present in these mushrooms, is inactive in its original state and serves as a prodrug, converting into its active form, psilocin. Enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase facilitate this conversion, enabling psilocin to be absorbed and circulated throughout the body, reaching various tissues. However, psilocybin cannot be detected in the circulatory system, feces, or urine after oral administration.
Absorption
The absorption process is the means 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 consumption is the most common method of administration. Inhalation has been tried, but it is not as successful as oral intake.
The process of absorption also entails the release of the compound from the dosage form during oral ingestion. Factors like a delay in the throat or esophagus can affect this, possibly slowing down the results or leading to irritation. Once the compound reaches the stomach, the acidic environment may start to degrade it before it enters the bloodstream.
Studies on animals suggest that only around 50% of orally administered psychedelics are absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
Aspects Influencing the Absorption Process
Several elements can affect the absorption process, leading to variations in the onset, intensity, and duration:
- Stomach Contents: The presence of food in the stomach can slow down the process as it delays the onset of effects. Quicker absorption is possible on an empty stomach.
- Body Fat: Compounds have the capacity to accumulate in fat tissues, potentially prolonging their effects.
- Age: Metabolic rates and body composition can change with age.
- Zero-Order Kinetics: The rate of substance removal remains constant, irrespective of its concentration.
- First-Order Kinetics: The elimination rate is directly proportional to the concentration of the drug.
The phosphate group in psilocybin exhibits strong polarity. In combination with the amine group’s positive charge, this makes the molecule zwitterionic and increases its water solubility compared to psilocin. Without the phosphate group, psilocin becomes more soluble in lipids, more metabolically accessible, and the intestines absorb it more easily.
class=”wp-block-heading”>DisseminationThe term ‘distribution’ refers to the process where psilocin, once in the bloodstream, spreads throughout the body. Due to its lipophilic nature, psilocin can cross the blood-brain barrier, accessing the central nervous system.
This process is influenced by factors such as the product’s size, polarity, and protein-binding ability, as well as individual physiological aspects—like hydration status and body composition.
The goal is to achieve an effective presence at the target location. For the product to work, it must reach the intended area, as defined by the volume of distribution, and remain unbound to proteins, allowing it to actively interact with its receptor.
What Factors Influence the Dissemination Process?
Several factors can impact the distribution process:
Effects generally begin to manifest between 20-40 minutes after ingestion, reaching a peak around 80-100 minutes. The effects of magic mushrooms typically last between 4-6 hours.
How Does Dissemination to the Brain Take Place?
An early experimental study involving two species showed that the 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 attributed to its partial agonist activity at 5HT1A autoreceptors.
The mood-enhancing and psychotomimetic effects may be linked to the observed correlation between increased dopamine levels and sensations of depersonalization and euphoria. Hallucinogens work by modifying neurochemistry and receptor activity. It enhances 5HT2A agonist activity by elevating BDNF synthesis in the hippocampus, which promotes neurogenesis and alleviates conditioned fear-related behaviors.
Elimination
Elimination refers to the process by which the
The body expels certain substances mainly through the kidneys, but also through the lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract. In the instance of the kidneys, they filter or secrete a naturally occurring psychedelic drug in the glomerulus or tubules, with a degree of reabsorption adding an extra layer of complexity to this process.
The primary substance has a half-life of roughly 160 minutes, whereas psilocin’s half-life is about 50 minutes. Animal studies suggest that most of this substance is excreted via urine, accounting for 65% within 8 hours of consumption. Smaller amounts of the substance can be detected in bile and feces even after consumption.
In the human body, about 3.4% of the substance is discharged in its unaltered form within 24 hours, whereas most is expelled as psilocin-O-glucuronide, a more stable byproduct. This byproduct’s stability allows the substance to be traceable in urine samples for a longer duration.
Excretion of substances in the body primarily happens in two ways:
Most psychedelic drugs are excreted following the first-order kinetics, 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 differs across various fungi. By choosing reliable online suppliers like Magic Mushrooms Hamilton Canada, you can avoid accidentally ingesting poisonous mushrooms. Some varieties, like Agaric mushrooms, can cause strong and undesirable effects. Therefore, it’s vital to obtain magic mushrooms from trusted dispensaries, rather than dangerous 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 | Looks like a blob or | Resembling a cauliflower or brain in structure | Typical appearance of cubensis; of moderate size | Thick stems in white; caps in a golden caramel hue; distinct blue bruising can be observed |
| Effects | Considered the most potent; generates intense effects | Powerful mental high; onset is delayed but comes with pronounced visuals | Produces intense visuals and euphoria |
Explore Psilocybin Mushroom Use Online
For medical professionals, researchers, and users, understanding the pharmacokinetics of shrooms is crucial. This knowledge enables you to make informed decisions about dosage and timing, therefore reducing potential risks.
Discover your perfect psychedelic experience at Magic Mushrooms Hamilton Canada. Whether you’re in pursuit of a soothing journey or a deeper exploration, our extensive product offering is designed to meet your specific requirements. Enjoy top-notch, safe, and quality-assured shrooms, and eliminate worries about questionable sources or poisonous mushrooms.
Experience the best magic mushrooms Canada has to offer, and take your psychedelic journey to extraordinary heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any identified interactions between shrooms and other medications?
Our products could interact with some medications, particularly those affecting serotonin levels, such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). SSRIs and SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) typically reduce the effects, unlike non-serotonergic antidepressants. This reduced effect can last for up to three months after discontinuing the use of the antidepressant.
Do all psychedelics work the same way as psilocybin?
No, each psychedelic substance has a unique structure that requires different metabolic processes to become active, and they interact with different receptors in the body. The administration method also affects how each psychedelic is absorbed. While the basic principles of absorption, metabolism, and distribution remain the same, the specific pathways and effects differ for each substance.
Can the form in which the shroom is presented affect the pharmacokinetics?
Yes, the form of the shroom (whether fresh, powdered, or dried) can influence the rate at which it is absorbed. For example, powdered forms may be absorbed faster than whole dried ones due to quicker dissolution.
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