Psilocybin mushrooms, a traditional psychedelic akin to LSD in its role as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist, are currently under investigation in psilocybin-assisted therapy for various mental health disorders. These include major depression, anxiety, cluster headaches, and migraines, all of which are associated with significant emotional distress.
In order to fully understand how shrooms can alleviate these conditions, it’s essential to delve into how they are metabolized within the body. Such knowledge enables both researchers and users to discern how the active compound generates its psychological and therapeutic effects. This article offers a basic overview of the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of psilocybin.
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Key Takeaways:
- Half of the ingested psychedelic fungi is absorbed and disseminated throughout the body.
- The fungal compound undergoes dephosphorylation through the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, predominantly in the liver.
- Approximately 3.4% of the compound is excreted in its unaltered form within 24 hours, while the majority is expelled as a stable metabolite.
What is Pharmacokinetics?
Pharmacokinetics (PK) is a field of study that focuses on how the body interacts with substances such as drugs once they are introduced into the system. Although it shares some similarities with pharmacodynamics, which explores how a compound affects your body, PK primarily deals with four main aspects: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
Grasping these processes enables healthcare providers to prescribe the most effective medications with the least risk. Furthermore, it allows them to customize treatments to suit each patient’s specific physiology and lifestyle.
How Does Pharmacokinetics Relate to Psilocybin?
Psilocybin and psilocin, the primary active compounds found in specific species of magic mushrooms, have generated significant intrigue among both researchers and users. Pharmacokinetics provides insights into how the body processes mushrooms containing psilocybin and aids in understanding their potential medicinal or recreational effects.
These compounds, often referred to as “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred,” exist in fungi that are typically ingested. The Mushroom species, origin, size, growth and drying conditions, and age can all substantially affect their concentration levels.
Although these mushrooms naturally occur in the wild, scientists have found ways to artificially produce them in a lab. Both natural and synthesized versions exhibit low toxicity, but may cause minor side effects like nausea or vomiting.
Despite their physical side effects, the compounds in these mushrooms have demonstrated potential therapeutic benefits due to their safe profile and non-addictive nature. This potential has driven research into their use in psychotherapy, particularly as a treatment for anxiety and depression.
Understanding the 4 Stages of Pharmacokinetics
Psilocybin, the compound present in these mushrooms, is inactive in its native form and functions as a prodrug, converting into its active form, psilocin. Enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase facilitate this transition, enabling psilocin to be absorbed and distributed throughout the body, reaching different tissues. However, after oral intake, 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. This process affects the speed and effectiveness with which the compound reaches its target, such as the plasma. Oral consumption is the most common method of administration. Although inhalation has been tried, it is not as efficient as oral ingestion.
The absorption process also includes the release of the compound from the dosage form during oral ingestion. Factors like delays 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 may start to decompose it before it enters the bloodstream.
Animal studies suggest that only about half of the orally administered psychedelics are absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
Influencing Factors in the Absorption Process
Several factors can influence the absorption process, resulting in variations in the onset, intensity, and duration:
- Stomach Contents: A full stomach can delay the process as it slows down the onset of effects. Conversely, an empty stomach facilitates quicker absorption.
