Psilocybin mushrooms, akin to LSD in their function as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist, are a traditional form of psychedelic. Current research explores their potential as an aid in therapy for mental health disorders, such as major depression, anxiety, and the emotional distress associated with cluster headaches and migraines.
In order to understand how shrooms can assist with these conditions, it is vital to delve into their metabolic processes within the body. This knowledge enables both researchers and users to comprehend how the active compound produces psychological and therapeutic effects. This article offers a basic overview of psilocybin’s pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.
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Key Takeaways:
- Half of the consumed psychedelic fungi is absorbed and distributed throughout the body when taken orally.
- The fungi compound is dephosphorylated by the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, primarily in the liver.
- Approximately 3.4% of the compound is expelled in its original form within 24 hours, while most of it is excreted as a stable metabolite.
What is Pharmacokinetics?
Pharmacokinetics (PK) is a field of study that focuses on how substances, such as drugs, are processed by the body after ingestion. It complements but differs from pharmacodynamics, which studies how a compound interacts with the body. PK primarily investigates four key processes: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
Understanding these processes enables healthcare providers to prescribe the most effective medications with the least amount of risk. It also allows them to customize treatments based on each patient’s unique physiology and lifestyle.
How Does Pharmacokinetics Relate to Psilocybin?
Psilocybin and psilocin, the prominent active compounds in certain magic mushroom species, have piqued significant interest among researchers and users. Pharmacokinetics provides insight into how the body processes mushrooms containing these compounds, and aids in comprehending their potential effects, whether for medicinal or recreational use.
These compounds are recognized by various names, such as “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred.” The fungi that contain these compounds are consumed, with The mushroom species, their place of origin, size, growing and drying conditions, and age can all cause significant fluctuations in their concentrations.
Although these mushrooms naturally sprout in the wild, scientists have devised lab techniques to recreate them synthetically. Both the natural and lab-created shrooms have low toxicity, although minor side effects like nausea or vomiting might occur.
Despite these physical impacts, the compounds present in the mushrooms have demonstrated potential therapeutic advantages owing to their safe profile and non-addictive nature. These benefits have spurred researchers to investigate their application in psychotherapy, particularly for treating anxiety and depression.
Pharmacokinetics: The Four Stages
Psilocybin, the compound found in these mushrooms, is inactive in its natural state and acts as a prodrug, changing into its active counterpart, psilocin. Enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase facilitate this transition, enabling psilocin to be absorbed and distributed throughout the body, reaching various tissues. However, after oral ingestion, psilocybin is undetectable in the circulatory system, feces, or urine.
Absorption
Absorption is the process by which the compound enters the bloodstream from the site of administration. This determines the speed and effectiveness with which the compound reaches its target, such as the plasma. Oral intake is the most common method of administration. While inhalation has been tried, it is not as effective as swallowing.
The absorption process also entails the release of the compound from its dosage form during oral ingestion. Factors like a delay in the throat or esophagus can affect this, potentially slowing down the effects or causing irritation. Once the compound reaches the stomach, the acidic environment might begin to degrade it before it enters the bloodstream.
Studies on animals suggest that only around 50% of orally consumed psychedelics are absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
Factors Impacting the Absorption Process
Several variables can influence the absorption process, resulting in variations in the onset, intensity, and duration:
- Contents of the Stomach: Eating a full meal can delay the process as it slows the onset of effects. An empty stomach facilitates quicker absorption.
