Psilocybin mushrooms, akin to LSD, function as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist and are considered classic psychedelics. Current research focuses on their potential use in psilocybin-assisted therapy for mental health issues, such as severe depression-related distress, anxiety, cluster headaches, and migraines.
To understand how shrooms can benefit these conditions, one must delve into how they are metabolized in the body. This knowledge enables researchers and users to ascertain 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:
- Upon oral consumption, half of the psychedelic fungi is absorbed and dispersed throughout the body.
- The fungi compound undergoes dephosphorylation via the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, primarily in the liver.
- Approximately 3.4% of the compound is expelled in its original form within 24 hours, while the majority is 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 they are ingested. It is distinct yet closely associated with pharmacodynamics, which studies how a compound interacts with the body. PK involves four main components: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
Understanding these processes enables healthcare providers to prescribe the most effective medications with the least risk. It additionally allows them to customize treatments according to each patient’s unique physiology and lifestyle.
How Does Pharmacokinetics Relate to Psilocybin?
Psilocybin and psilocin, the predominant active compounds in some species of magic mushrooms, have generated significant interest among researchers and users. Pharmacokinetics studies how the body processes mushrooms containing psilocybin, providing insight into their potential effects, whether for medical or recreational purposes.
These compounds go by several terms, including “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred.” The fungi containing these compounds are ingested, with The The mushroom species, its origin, size, the environments in which they grow and dry, as well as their age, can lead to significant differences in their concentrations.
Even though these mushrooms naturally exist in the wild, scientists have engineered methods to create them synthetically in a lab. Both naturally occurring and lab-grown versions have low toxicity, although minor side effects such as nausea or vomiting can occur.
Despite these physical side effects, the compounds found in these mushrooms have demonstrated potential therapeutic benefits due to their safe profile and non-addictiveness. This has led researchers to explore their application in psychotherapy, specifically for treating anxiety and depression.
The Four Phases of Pharmacokinetics
Psilocybin, the compound present in these mushrooms, is initially inactive. It acts as a prodrug, converting into its active state, psilocin. Enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase facilitate this transformation, which allows psilocin to be absorbed and distributed in the body, reaching various tissues. However, after oral administration, psilocybin cannot be detected in the circulatory system, feces, or urine.
Absorption
Absorption is the process by which the compound is introduced into the bloodstream from the site of administration. It impacts how quickly and effectively the compound reaches its target, like the plasma. Oral administration is the most common method. Inhalation has been tried but isn’t as successful as oral ingestion.
The absorption process also entails the release of the compound from the dosage form during oral intake. Factors such as a delay in the throat or esophagus can affect this, possibly slowing down results or causing discomfort. Once the compound reaches the stomach, the acidic environment may start to break it down before it enters the bloodstream.
Studies involving animals have shown that only around 50% of orally ingested psychedelics are absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
Factors Affecting the Absorption Process
Several factors can influence the absorption process, leading to changes in the onset, intensity, and duration of effects:
- Stomach Contents: A full stomach can impede the process as it can delay the onset of effects. Absorption is quicker on an empty stomach.
- Body Fat: Substances can potentially build up in fat tissues, possibly prolonging their effects.
- Age: Metabolic rates and body composition typically vary with age.
- Zero-Order Kinetics: The substance is expelled at a fixed rate, regardless of its concentration.
- First-Order Kinetics: The elimination rate is directly proportional to the drug’s concentration.
Various factors such as size, polarity, and protein-binding capacity of the substance, along with a person’s physiology – including hydration status and body composition – significantly affect this process.
The goal is to achieve an effective concentration at the intended location. For the substance to work, it must arrive at the specified area (as defined by the volume of distribution), and remain free from proteins, allowing it to actively engage with its receptor.
What Factors Affect the Distribution Process?
Several factors can impact the distribution process:
Effects usually begin to manifest between 20-40 minutes after ingestion, reaching a peak at around 80-100 minutes. The effects of magic mushrooms generally last between 4-6 hours.
How is Distribution to the Brain Achieved?
An initial experimental study on two species demonstrated that its binding affinity sequence is 5HT2A > 5HT1A > 5HT2B [23]. It also attaches 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 are believed to result from its partial agonist activity at 5HT1A autoreceptors.
The mood-enhancing and psychotomimetic experiences could be linked to the observed correlation between increased dopamine levels and sensations of depersonalization and euphoria. Hallucinogens work by modifying neurochemistry and receptor activity. They enhance 5HT2A agonist activity by promoting BDNF synthesis in the hippocampus, which encourages neurogenesis and reduces conditioned fear-related behaviors.
Elimination
Elimination refers to the process by which the
The human body gets rid of compounds through various channels, primarily the kidneys, but also the lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. For the kidneys, they filter or secrete a naturally occurring psychedelic drug either in the glomerulus or the tubules. The process is further complicated by some reabsorption.
The primary compound has an estimated half-life of around 160 minutes, compared to psilocin, which has a half-life of roughly 50 minutes. According to animal studies, the majority of this is excreted in the urine, making up approximately 65% within 8 hours of consumption. However, smaller quantities can still be traced in the bile and feces.
In the human body, around 3.4% of the substance is expelled in its original form within a day, whereas most of it is excreted as psilocin-O-glucuronide, a metabolite that is more stable. This stability allows the compound to be identified in urine tests for a longer period.
The substance is primarily expelled through two methods:
Most psychedelic drugs follow the first-order kinetics method, reaching a steady concentration after about four to five half-lives. Complete elimination also occurs after around four to five half-lives.
Discover Our Range of Psychedelic Mushrooms
The metabolic process can vary among different mushroom types. Purchasing from reliable online providers such as Shrooms Online Canada helps to prevent unintentional consumption of poisonous mushrooms. Certain kinds, like Agaric mushrooms, may produce strong and undesirable effects. Therefore, sourcing magic mushrooms from trustworthy dispensaries is crucial, as opposed to riskier options like street vendors or foraging in the wild.
| Characteristic | 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 Traits | Resembles a blob or | Resembles a cauliflower or brain in structure | A typical cubensis with moderate size | Features thick white stems, golden caramel caps, and evident blue bruising |
| Effects | Considered the most potent, inducing intense effects | Produces powerful mental high; onset is delayed but visuals are pronounced | Induces strong visuals and euphoria |
Online Education on Psilocybin Mushroom Usage
For medical professionals, researchers, and users, it is crucial to understand the pharmacokinetics of shrooms. This knowledge equips you with the ability to make well-informed decisions about dosage and timing, thereby reducing potential risks.
Discover your perfect psychedelic experience at Shrooms Online Canada. Whether you desire a soothing journey or a more profound exploration, our diverse product selection is designed to meet your unique needs. Enjoy top-quality, safe, and regulated shrooms, eliminating worries about unreliable sources or harmful mushrooms.
Experience the best magic mushrooms Canada has to offer, and elevate your psychedelic journey to new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any known interactions between shrooms and other drugs?
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 reduction in effects can last for up to three months after discontinuing the antidepressant.
Do all psychedelics follow 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 within the body. The route of administration also affects the absorption of each psychedelic. While the basic principles of absorption, metabolism, and distribution remain the same, the specific pathways and effects vary for each substance.
Can the form of the mushroom affect the pharmacokinetics?
Yes, the form (whether fresh, powdered, or dried mushrooms) can influence 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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