Psilocybin mushrooms, traditional psychedelics that function similarly to LSD by acting as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist, are currently under investigation for their potential therapeutic effects on mental health disorders. These disorders include major depression, anxiety, cluster headaches, and migraines, all of which are associated with emotional distress.
Understanding how shrooms benefit these conditions requires an exploration of how they are metabolized in the body. This knowledge helps researchers and users appreciate how the active compound triggers psychological and therapeutic impacts. 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 are absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
- The compound in the fungi undergoes dephosphorylation, primarily in the liver, through the enzyme alkaline phosphatase.
- Approximately 3.4% of the compound is expelled in its original form within 24 hours, while the majority is disposed of as a stable metabolite.
What is Pharmacokinetics?
Pharmacokinetics (PK) is a branch of study that explores how substances, like drugs, are processed by the body after ingestion. It’s closely related to but distinct from 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 these processes enables healthcare professionals to prescribe the most effective medications with the least risk. It also helps them customize treatments to match each individual’s unique physiology and lifestyle.
How does Pharmacokinetics relate to Psilocybin?
Psilocybin and psilocin, the primary active compounds in certain magic mushroom species, have garnered significant attention from both researchers and users. Pharmacokinetics studies how the body processes these psilocybin-containing mushrooms and aids in understanding their potential effects, whether they are medicinal or recreational.
These compounds are known by several names, like “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred.” The fungi containing these compounds are consumed, and the Mushroom species, their origin, size, growth and drying conditions, as well as their age, can significantly affect their concentration levels.
While these mushrooms grow naturally in the wild, scientific methods have been developed to synthesize them in a lab. Both the natural and lab-cultivated variants have low toxicity, although minor side effects such as nausea or vomiting may occasionally occur.
Despite these minor physical side effects, the compounds found in these mushrooms have demonstrated potential therapeutic benefits due to their safe profile and non-addictive properties. These advantages have inspired researchers to explore their use in psychotherapy, particularly in treating anxiety and depression.
Understanding the 4 Phases of Pharmacokinetics
Psilocybin, the compound present in these mushrooms, is initially inactive and functions as a prodrug. It is transformed into its active form, psilocin, with the assistance of enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase. This conversion enables psilocin to be absorbed and circulated throughout the body, reaching different tissues. However, psilocybin cannot be detected in the circulatory system, feces, or urine after oral administration.
The Process of Absorption
Absorption is the process whereby the compound enters the bloodstream from the site of administration. It influences how quickly and effectively the compound reaches its target, like the plasma. Oral administration is the most common route used. Inhalation has been tried but hasn’t proved as effective as oral consumption.
The absorption process also involves the compound’s release from the dosage form during oral ingestion. Factors such as delays in the throat or esophagus can affect this, potentially causing slower results or irritation. Once the compound is in the stomach, its acidic surroundings may start to break it down before it enters the bloodstream.
Based on animal studies, it’s estimated that only about 50% of orally administered psychedelics are absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
Influences on the Absorption Process
Several factors can influence the absorption process, resulting in variations in the onset, intensity, and duration of the effects:
- Stomach Contents: A full stomach can slow down the process as it delays the onset of effects. Faster absorption is achieved with an empty stomach.
