Psilocybin mushrooms, similar to LSD in their function as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist, are a classic variety of psychedelic. Current research is examining their potential use in psilocybin-assisted therapy for mental health issues, such as the emotional distress linked to major depression, anxiety, cluster headaches, and migraines.
In order to understand how shrooms can support these conditions, it’s essential to explore how they are metabolized within the body. This knowledge helps both researchers and consumers to understand how the active compound produces its psychological and therapeutic impacts. This article presents a basic overview of psilocybin’s pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.
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Key Takeaways:
- When consumed orally, half of the psychedelic fungi is absorbed and disseminated throughout the body.
- The compound in the fungi undergoes dephosphorylation through the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, mainly in the liver.
- Approximately 3.4% of the compound is expelled in its original form within 24 hours, while the majority is discharged as a stable metabolite.
What is Pharmacokinetics?
Pharmacokinetics (PK) is a branch of study focused on how the body processes substances like drugs after they’re ingested. While related, it’s distinct from pharmacodynamics, which studies how a compound interacts with the body. PK mainly explores four aspects: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
Comprehending these processes enables medical professionals to prescribe the most effective drugs with the least possible risk. It also allows them to customize treatments based on each patient’s individual physiology and lifestyle.
How Does Pharmacokinetics Relate to Psilocybin?
The dominant active compounds in certain types of magic mushrooms, psilocybin and psilocin, have garnered significant attention from both researchers and users. Pharmacokinetics allows for the study of how the body deals with mushrooms containing psilocybin and aids in the understanding of their potential effects, whether for medicinal or recreational purposes.
The fungi that contain these compounds are known by various names such as “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred.” They are typically consumed, with The mushroom species, their place of origin, size, growing and drying conditions, and age can lead to significant differences in their potency levels.
These mushrooms occur naturally in the wild, but scientists have also figured out how to create them in a lab. Both the natural and lab-created versions have low toxicity, but they might cause minor side effects like nausea or vomiting.
Despite these minor effects, the compounds in these mushrooms have demonstrated potential therapeutic benefits due to their safe profile and lack of addictive properties. This has prompted researchers to explore their use in psychotherapy, particularly for treating anxiety and depression.
The 4 Stages of Pharmacokinetics
Psilocybin, the compound present in these mushrooms, is inactive in its natural state and acts as a prodrug, converting into its active form, psilocin. Alkaline phosphatase and other enzymes facilitate this conversion, allowing psilocin to be absorbed and distributed throughout the body, reaching various tissues. However, psilocybin cannot be detected in the circulatory system, feces, or urine after oral ingestion.
Absorption
Absorption refers to the process whereby the compound enters the bloodstream from the site of administration. It impacts the speed and effectiveness with 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 isn’t as effective as ingestion through mouth.
The absorption process also includes the release of the compound from the dosage form during oral ingestion. This can be affected by factors like a delay in the throat or esophagus, which could potentially slow the results or cause discomfort. Once the compound reaches the stomach, the acidic environment may start to break it down before it enters the bloodstream.
Research conducted on animals suggests that only about 50% of orally administered psychedelics are absorbed and dispersed throughout the body.
Factors that Influence the Absorption Process
Several factors can influence the absorption process, leading to variations in onset, intensity, and duration:
- Stomach Contents: Eating a meal before the procedure can delay the process as it slows down the onset of effects. On the other hand, having an empty stomach can facilitate quicker absorption.
