DMT and harmala alkaloids: an exploratory study of oral Acacia based formulations in healthy volunteers.
Yvonne Bonomo, Amanda F. Norman, Lisa Collins, Margaret Ross, Justin Dwyer, Daniel Perkins, Jerome Sarris
Front Psychiatry August 15, 2025 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1545915 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Open-label exploratory study with cross-over design Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 9 |
| Population | Healthy volunteers with prior use of ayahuasca |
| Intervention | Acacia-based formulations |
| Dose | 1 mg/kg DMT and 4 mg/kg harmalas; 1.4 mg/kg DMT and 5.6 mg harmalas |
| Duration | 4-week follow-up |
| Topics | Altered states of consciousness DMT |
| Keywords | Psychoactive Compounds DMT Harmala alkaloids Acacia Psychedelics Entheogens Plant-based compounds Natural psychoactives Psychedelic experiences Mind exploration Medical applications Clinical research Drug development Safety studies Tolerability |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | Acacia-based DMT formulations were safe and well tolerated, with subjective effects similar to ayahuasca. |
Abstract
Introduction: Ayahuasca is a psychedelic compound of N, N, Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and harmala alkaloids used for spiritual and medicinal applications in traditional settings. A range of potential psychotherapeutic mechanisms have been proposed for ayahuasca. These are thought to contribute to improvements in various psychiatric conditions including mood disorders and substance dependence. This open label exploratory study explored safety, tolerability, physical, mental health and psychedelic effects of three Acacia based formulations in 9 healthy volunteers with prior use of Ayahuasca.
Method: Formulations derived from two Acacia species (1mg/kg DMT and 4mg/kg of harmalas) were tested in a cross-over design in 5 adults; a third formulation (ACL-010) was tested in 4 adults at two dosages (1mg/kg DMT and 4mg/kg of harmalas, and then 1.4mg/kg DMT and 5.6mg of harmalas).
Results: All formulations had a good safety profile. No serious adverse events were reported. Physical examination, vital signs, and pathology revealed no clinically significant changes across the course of the study. The subjective experience of all formulations was generally rated similar to Ayahuasca. Four-week follow-up measures of psychological wellbeing and perceptual effects showed little difference between formulations. The strength and quality of the psychedelic experience elicited with ACL-010 was rated as similar or more beneficial than Ayahuasca.
Discussion: Our results indicate DMT formulations derived from the Acacia species represent a feasible alternative to traditional Ayahuasca for future clinical trials and possibly clinical contexts. The small sample size and open label design limit generalizability of results. Clinical
Trial Registration: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=384191&isReview=true, identifier ACTRN12622001315707.