Psilocybin mushrooms, a traditional psychedelic substance that works similarly to LSD by acting as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist, are currently under investigation for their potential role in psilocybin-assisted therapy for various mental health disorders. These include emotional distress related to major depression, anxiety, cluster headaches, and migraines.
In order to fully understand the potential benefits of shrooms in treating these conditions, it’s essential to delve into their metabolic process within the body. Such knowledge enables both researchers and users to discern how the active compound produces psychological and therapeutic effects. This article offers a basic overview of the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of psilocybin.
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Key Takeaways:
- When consumed orally, half of the psychedelic fungi is absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
- The compound in fungi undergoes a process called dephosphorylation, facilitated by the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, mainly in the liver.
- Within 24 hours, approximately 3.4% of the compound is expelled in its original form, with the majority being discarded as a stable metabolite.
Defining Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics (PK) is a branch of study that examines how substances, including drugs, are processed by the body once they enter the system. Although related to pharmacodynamics, which explores how a compound interacts with the body, PK specifically focuses on four key elements: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
Understanding these processes equips healthcare professionals to prescribe the most effective medications with the least risk. Moreover, it allows them to customize treatments according to each patient’s unique physiological and lifestyle conditions.
How does Pharmacokinetics relate to Psilocybin?
Psilocybin and psilocin, the primary active compounds in certain magic mushroom species, have attracted significant attention from both researchers and users. Pharmacokinetics sheds light on how the body metabolizes mushrooms containing psilocybin, thereby helping to understand their potential medicinal or recreational effects.
These compounds, often referred to as “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred,” are found in fungi that are consumed. The Types of mushrooms, their origin, size, the environment where they grow and dry, and their age can significantly impact their potency.
While these mushrooms naturally grow in the wild, scientists have created methods to cultivate them in a lab. Both natural and lab-grown varieties display low toxicity, though minor side effects, such as nausea or vomiting, might occur.
Despite these physical effects, the compounds present in these mushrooms have demonstrated potential therapeutic benefits due to their safety and non-addictive qualities. This has prompted researchers to explore their use in psychotherapy, specifically in treating anxiety and depression.
Understanding the 4 Stages of Pharmacokinetics
The compound in these mushrooms, psilocybin, is inactive in its initial form and functions as a prodrug, converting into its active form, psilocin. Enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase assist this conversion, enabling psilocin to be absorbed and distributed throughout the body, reaching various tissues. However, after oral administration, psilocybin is not detectable 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 determines the speed and effectiveness of the compound reaching its target, like the plasma. The compound is most commonly administered orally. Inhalation has been tried, but it’s not as effective as ingestion.
The absorption process also includes the release of the compound from the dosage form during oral intake. Factors like delays in the throat or esophagus can affect this, potentially slowing down effects or causing discomfort. Once the compound reaches the stomach, the acidic environment may start to degrade it before it enters the bloodstream.
Animal studies suggest that only about half of orally administered psychedelics get absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
Factors Affecting the Absorption Process
Several factors can influence the absorption process, leading to variations in the onset, intensity, and duration of effects:
- Stomach Contents: A full stomach can slow down the process as it delays the onset of effects. Absorption is quicker on an empty stomach.
