Firuze Polat

2 papers in the library · 1 citation · publishing 2025

Papers

Meditation, psychedelics, and brain connectivity: A randomized controlled resting-state fMRI study of N,N-dimethyltryptamine and harmine in a meditation retreat.

Imaging Neurosci (Camb) September 29, 2025 Klemens Egger, Daniel Meling, Firuze Polat et al. 1 citation

A randomized controlled trial investigated how the psychedelic compounds N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and harmine, administered during a meditation retreat, affect brain connectivity. Using resting-state fMRI, the study found that these compounds altered functional connectivity in neural networks, particularly in regions associated with self-referential thought and sensory integration. The changes in brain communication patterns were linked to enhanced psychological well-being and mental flexibility, suggesting that combining psychedelics with contemplative practices may promote neuroplasticity and cognitive enhancement. The results indicate that DMT and harmine can reorganize brain networks in ways that support meditative experiences and long-term benefits for brain health.

DOI: 10.1162/imag.a.907 Full text N-dimethyltryptamine Neuroplasticity Meditation Mindfulness +18

Meditation, Psychedelics, and Brain Connectivity: A Randomised Controlled Resting-State fMRI Study of N,N -Dimethyltryptamine and Harmine in a Meditation Retreat

medRxiv Klemens Egger, Daniel Meling, Firuze Polat et al. preprint

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled pharmaco-fMRI study, 40 meditation practitioners on a three-day retreat received either placebo or buccal DMT-harmine (120 mg each). Meditation alone increased network segregation across several resting-state networks, while DMT-harmine increased functional connectivity within the visual network and between visual and attention networks. Between-group differences showed increased connectivity between visual and salience networks in the DMT-harmine group. No prolonged cortical gradient disruption was observed, indicating a return to typical brain organization shortly after the experience. Meditation reduced connectivity between networks, whereas DMT-harmine increased within- and between-network connectivity, revealing distinct neural mechanisms.

DOI: 10.1101/2025.07.30.25332422