Psilocybin mushrooms, a traditional psychedelic that functions similarly to LSD as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist, are currently under research for their potential in psilocybin-assisted therapy. This therapy is being explored for treating mental health disorders such as severe depression, anxiety, cluster headaches, and migraines.
In order to understand how shrooms can potentially benefit these conditions, it’s essential to examine their metabolic process within the body. This knowledge enables researchers and users to discern how the active compound triggers psychological and therapeutic effects. This article offers a basic overview of the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of psilocybin.
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Key Takeaways:
- Upon oral consumption, half of the psychedelic fungi is absorbed and spread throughout the body.
- The fungi compound undergoes a process called dephosphorylation, primarily in the liver, with the help of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase.
- Within 24 hours, approximately 3.4% of the compound is expelled in its original form, while the majority is excreted as a stable metabolite.
Defining Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics (PK) is a branch of study that investigates how substances, like drugs, are processed by the body once ingested. It is related but distinct from pharmacodynamics, which studies how compounds interact with the body. PK focuses on four primary elements: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
Understanding these processes enables healthcare providers to prescribe the most effective medications with minimal side effects. It also helps them customize treatments based on individual patient’s unique physiology and lifestyle.
Pharmacokinetics and Psilocybin
Psilocybin and psilocin, the primary active compounds in certain magic mushroom species, have sparked significant interest among researchers and users alike. Pharmacokinetics provides insights into how the body metabolizes mushrooms containing psilocybin, thereby helping to understand their potential medicinal or recreational effects.
These compounds, known by various names such as “magic,” “psychedelic,” “medicinal,” or “sacred,” are found in certain fungi species. When consumed, the mushroom species, their place of origin, size, the conditions of their growth and drying process, and their age can greatly affect their concentration levels.
Although these mushrooms are naturally found in the wild, scientists have devised ways to create them in a laboratory. Both natural and lab-produced versions have low toxicity, but minor side effects such as nausea or vomiting may occur.
In spite of these physical effects, the compounds within these mushrooms have demonstrated potential therapeutic benefits due to their safety and non-addictive nature. Such benefits have prompted researchers to investigate their use in psychotherapy, specifically for treating anxiety and depression.
The 4 Phases of Pharmacokinetics
Psilocybin, the compound that exists in these mushrooms, is inactive in its original form and acts as a prodrug, converting into its active form, psilocin. Enzymes like alkaline phosphatase facilitate this transformation, enabling psilocin to be absorbed and circulated throughout the body, affecting various tissues. However, after ingestion, psilocybin cannot be detected in the circulatory system, feces, or urine.
Absorption
Absorption is the process by which the compound enters the bloodstream from the site of administration. It determines the rate and effectiveness at which the compound reaches its target, such as the plasma. The oral route is the most common method of administration. While inhalation has been experimented with, it is not as effective as oral intake.
The absorption process also entails the release of the compound from the dosage form during oral ingestion. Factors like a delay in the throat or esophagus can affect this, potentially slowing down the effects or causing discomfort. Once the compound arrives in the stomach, the acidic environment may start to degrade it before it enters the bloodstream.
Studies conducted on animals suggest 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 the onset, intensity, and duration of effects:
- Stomach Contents: The presence of food in the stomach can delay the process as it slows down the onset of effects. Faster absorption is possible with an empty stomach.
