A critical review of reports of endogenous psychedelic N, N-dimethyltryptamines in humans: 1955-2010.
Steven A. Barker, Ethan H. Mcilhenny, Rick J. Strassman
Drug Testing and Analysis 2012 DOI: 10.1002/dta.422 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | 5-MeO-DMT DMT |
| Keywords | Endogenous psychedelics Natural psychedelics Internal psychedelics Bodily psychedelics Endogenous psychoactives Neuropsychedelics Brain chemistry Neurobiology Biochemical neuroscience Human neurochemistry Scientific review Literature review Research review Meta-analysis Academic review Critical assessment Human biochemistry Human physiology Body chemistry Physiological chemistry Biofluids Bodily substances |
| Citations | 143 |
| Key findings | Three indole alkaloids with psychedelic activity—DMT, bufotenine, and 5-MeO-DMT—have been detected as endogenous substances in human body fluids, but past methods have limitations that newer findings may overcome. |
Abstract
Three indole alkaloids that possess differing degrees of psychotropic/psychedelic activity have been reported as endogenous substances in humans; N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 5-hydroxy-DMT (bufotenine, HDMT), and 5-methoxy-DMT (MDMT). We have undertaken a critical review of 69 published studies reporting the detection or detection and quantitation of these compounds in human body fluids. In reviewing this literature, we address the methods applied and the criteria used in the determination of the presence of DMT, MDMT, and HDMT. The review provides a historical perspective of the research conducted from 1955 to 2010, summarizing the findings for the individual compounds in blood, urine, and/or cerebrospinal fluid. A critique of the data is offered that addresses the strengths and weaknesses of the methods and approaches to date. The review also discusses the shortcomings of the existing data in light of more recent findings and how these may be overcome. Suggestions for the future directions of endogenous psychedelics research are offered.