Psilocybin mushrooms, similar to LSD in their function as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist, are a well-known type of psychedelic. Current research is exploring their use in psilocybin-assisted therapy for a variety of mental health conditions, such as major depression, anxiety, and even physical ailments like cluster headaches and migraines.
In order to understand how shrooms can potentially assist with these conditions, it’s important to delve into how they are metabolized in the body. This knowledge enables both researchers and users to gauge how the active compound in these fungi brings about its psychological and therapeutic effects. This article offers a basic overview of psilocybin’s pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.
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Key Points:
- Once consumed orally, half of the psychedelic fungi are absorbed and circulated throughout the body.
- The compound in these fungi undergoes dephosphorylation via the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, primarily in the liver.
- Approximately 3.4% of this compound is expelled in its original form within a span of 24 hours, while the majority is excreted as a stable metabolite.
What is Pharmacokinetics?
Pharmacokinetics (PK) is the science of understanding how the body processes substances such as drugs once they are introduced into the system. While closely related to pharmacodynamics, which studies how a compound interacts with the body, PK focuses on four main areas: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
This understanding of the body’s processes helps healthcare professionals to prescribe the most effective medications with the least amount of risk. Additionally, it allows them to customize treatments to fit each patient’s unique physiological makeup and lifestyle.
How does Pharmacokinetics Relate to Psilocybin?
Psilocybin and psilocin, the main active compounds in certain magic mushroom species, have garnered significant interest from both the scientific community and users. Pharmacokinetics helps to analyze how the body processes these mushroom varieties, aiding in understanding their potential effects, be it medicinal or recreational.
These compounds can be referred to by several names, including “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred.” When fungi containing these compounds are consumed, the Mushroom species, their origins, size, the conditions under which they are grown and dried, and their age can cause significant fluctuations in their concentrations.
Despite these mushrooms naturally occurring in the wild, scientists have devised ways to artificially create them in a lab. Both the natural and synthetic variants possess low toxicity, although they may induce minor side effects such as nausea or vomiting.
Despite these physical effects, the compounds in these mushrooms have demonstrated potential therapeutic advantages due to their safe profile and non-addictive properties. These benefits have sparked interest among researchers to explore their use in psychotherapy, specifically for treating anxiety and depression.
The 4 Stages of Pharmacokinetics
Psilocybin, the compound present in these mushrooms, is inactive in its original state and acts as a prodrug, transforming 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, following oral administration, psilocybin cannot be detected in the circulatory system, feces, or urine.
Absorption
Absorption refers to the process by which the compound enters the bloodstream from the site of administration. It plays a crucial role in determining the speed and effectiveness of the compound reaching its target, such as the plasma. The oral route is the most common method of administration. Inhalation has been tried, but it proves less effective than oral consumption.
The absorption process also involves the release of the compound from the dosage form during oral ingestion. Factors such as a delay in the throat or esophagus can affect this, potentially causing a slower response or irritation. Once the compound enters 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.
Factors Influencing the Absorption Process
Several factors can impact the absorption process, resulting in variations in the onset, intensity, and duration:
- Stomach Contents: A full stomach can impede the process as it slows the onset of effects. Conversely, an empty stomach facilitates quicker absorption.
- Phase I (CYP450 Reactions): In this phase, hallucinogenic drugs are oxidized into polar metabolites.
- Phase II (UGT Reactions): This phase involves conjugating the metabolites to aid their distribution.
- These stages deactivate the drug and ready it for excretion through urine or bile.
- 4-hydroxyindole-3-acetaldehyde
- 4-hydroxytryptophol
- 4-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (4-HIAA)
- Body Fat: Substances have the capability to accumulate in fatty tissues, potentially enhancing their effects.
- Age: Body composition and metabolic rates often vary with age.
- Zero-Order Kinetics: The substance is removed at a steady rate, regardless of its concentration.
- First-Order Kinetics: The elimination rate is directly proportionate to the concentration of the drug.
The phosphate group in psilocybin exhibits strong polarity. Together with the amine group’s positive charge, this trait renders the molecule zwitterionic, enhancing its water solubility compared to psilocin. Without the phosphate group, psilocin becomes more lipid-soluble and metabolically available, facilitating more efficient intestinal absorption.
Metabolic Process
The metabolism is the body’s mechanism for transforming mushroom strains into compounds that can be excreted easily. This procedure involves enhancing the water solubility of the mushroom to allow for efficient renal clearance and is crucial for activating its effects.
This metabolic process primarily occurs in the liver, in two stages:
Once absorbed, the compound undergoes metabolic conversion in the liver. The main metabolic process is dephosphorylation, where psilocybin is converted into psilocin by the enzyme alkaline phosphatase. This primary transformation predominantly takes place in the liver. Moreover, secondary metabolic processes can yield various byproducts.
Subsequently, psilocin undergoes extensive Phase I metabolism in the liver to form different metabolites:
The Phase II metabolism is catalyzed by the enzyme family UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, with UGT1A10 being the primary pathway. The main metabolite found in urine is Psilocin-O-glucuronide, with 2% to 4% of psilocin being excreted unchanged.
Dispersal
The term ‘distribution’ denotes the process of psilocin spreading throughout the body once it’s entered the bloodstream. Thanks to its lipophilic nature, psilocin can traverse the blood-brain barrier and get to the central nervous system.
system.Certain aspects such as the product’s size, polarity, and protein-binding capacity, combined with a person’s physical characteristics—including hydration status and body composition—have a considerable impact on this process.
The aim is to achieve an effective concentration at the target site. To be effective, the product must reach its intended location, as defined by the volume of distribution, and remain unattached to proteins, thereby allowing it to actively engage with its receptor.
What Factors Influence the Distribution Process?
Several factors can affect the distribution process:
Typically, the effects begin to manifest between 20-40 minutes after ingestion, reaching their peak around 80-100 minutes. The effects of magic mushrooms generally persist for about 4-6 hours.
How Does the Brain Receive the Distribution?
An initial experimental study on two species demonstrated that the order of its binding affinity 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 roughly 40%. Its psychedelic effects can be linked to its partial agonist activity at 5HT1A autoreceptors.
The enhancement of mood and psychotomimetic experiences may be due to the noted correlation between heightened dopamine levels and sensations of depersonalisation and euphoria. Hallucinogens work by modifying neurochemistry and receptor activity. It boosts 5HT2A agonist activity by raising BDNF synthesis in the hippocampus, which subsequently encourages neurogenesis and reduces conditioned fear-related behaviours.
Elimination
Elimination refers to the process through which the The human body primarily expels a particular compound via the kidneys, although it can also be removed through the lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. When it comes to the kidneys, the compound, a naturally occurring psychedelic drug, is either filtered in the glomerulus or secreted in the tubules. The process is further complicated by some level of reabsorption.
The principal compound has a half-life of around 160 minutes, while psilocin, another compound, has a half-life of about 50 minutes. Animal studies indicate that this compound is primarily expelled in the urine, accounting for roughly 65% within eight hours. Even after consumption, the substance can still be detected in smaller amounts in bile and feces.
In human bodies, approximately 3.4% of the consumed substance is expelled in its original form in a day, while the majority is expelled as psilocin-O-glucuronide, a more stable metabolite. The stability of this metabolite allows the compound to be detectable in urine samples for an extended period.
The two primary methods of substance elimination include:
Most psychedelic drugs follow the first-order kinetics method, reaching steady-state 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 among various types of fungi. By choosing to purchase from reliable online retailers such as Strongest Cubensis Strain Canada, you can avoid unintentionally consuming poisonous mushrooms. Certain types, like Agaric mushrooms, can cause strong and undesirable effects. Hence, it’s essential to acquire magic mushrooms from trusted dispensaries, rather than unregulated 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 a cauliflower or brain-like structure | Exhibits the classic appearance of cubensis; of moderate size | Features thick white stems; caps in a shade of golden caramel; noticeable signs of blue bruising |
| Effects | Considered the most potent, producing intense effects | Creates a powerful mental high; onset is delayed but comes with pronounced visuals | Produces potent visuals and a sense of euphoria |
Understanding the Usage of Psilocybin Mushrooms Online
For medical professionals, researchers, and users, it’s crucial to understand the pharmacokinetics of shrooms. This knowledge enables you to make informed decisions regarding dosage and timing, thus reducing potential risks.
Discover your perfect psychedelic experience at Strongest Cubensis Strain Canada. Whether you desire a tranquil journey or a deeper exploration, our extensive product selection is designed to meet your individual needs. Enjoy premium, safe, and quality-controlled shrooms, without worrying about uncertain sources or harmful mushrooms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do shrooms have known interactions with other medications?
Our products may potentially interact with certain medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels, like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). SSRIs and SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) often reduce the effects, unlike non-serotonergic antidepressants. This reduced impact can last up to three months following the discontinuation of the antidepressant.
Do all psychedelics act via the same pathway as psilocybin?
No, every psychedelic substance has a unique structure that requires different metabolic processes for activation and interacts with various receptors in the body. The mode of administration also impacts the absorption of each psychedelic. While the basic mechanisms of absorption, metabolism, and distribution are the same, the specific pathways and effects are different for each substance.
Can the shroom’s form affect its pharmacokinetics?
Yes, the form of the shroom (whether fresh, powdered, or dried) can influence the rate of absorption. For example, powdered forms might be absorbed more quickly than whole dried ones due to faster dissolution.
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