Pharmacokinetics of Psilocybin, a Tryptamine Alkaloid in Magic Mushroom (Psilocybe cubensis): A Systematic Review

Twenty articles were reviewed to summarize the pharmacokinetic characteristics of psilocybin and its active metabolite, psilocin.

• Psilocybin acts as a prodrug, converting to psilocin through a specific biochemical process.
• Peak levels of psilocin in plasma and brain occur rapidly after ingestion and are dependent on the dose.
• Psilocin is primarily metabolized through two main biochemical pathways and has a half-life of 2-3 hours.
• Identified gaps in pharmacokinetic data highlight limitations in current research, suggesting areas for future investigation.
• Improvements in study design, including dose selection and dosage optimization, are needed for better understanding.

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