Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience:N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
Lindsay P. Cameron, David E. Olson
ACS Chemical Neuroscience July 23, 2018 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00101 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstractAbstract
Though relatively obscure, N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an important molecule in psychopharmacology as it is the archetype for all indole-containing serotonergic psychedelics. Its structure can be found embedded within those of better-known molecules such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin. Unlike the latter two compounds, DMT is ubiquitous, being produced by a wide variety of plant and animal species. It is one of the principal psychoactive components of ayahuasca, a tisane made from various plant sources that has been used for centuries. Furthermore, DMT is one of the few psychedelic compounds produced endogenously by mammals, and its biological function in human physiology remains a mystery. In this review, we cover the synthesis of DMT as well as its pharmacology, metabolism, adverse effects, and potential use in medicine. Finally, we discuss the history of DMT in chemical neuroscience and why this underappreciated molecule is so important to the field of psychedelic science.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on 5-MeO-DMT, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neuropharmacology of N,N-dimethyltryptamine | 2016 | Review | |
| N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), an Endogenous Hallucinogen: Past, Present, and Future Research to Determine Its Role and Function Humans and animals (general) | 2018 | Review | |
| Psychedelic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine: metabolism, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, and pharmacological actions. Humans (pharmacokinetics) | 2010 | Review | |
| A possibly sigma-1 receptor mediated role of dimethyltryptamine in tissue protection, regeneration, and immunity. | 2013 | Review | |
| Pharmepéna-Psychonautics: Human intranasal, sublingual and oral pharmacology of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyl-tryptamine. | 2001 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 93
- A non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analogue with therapeutic potential. Nature 2021
- Chronic, Intermittent Microdoses of the Psychedelic N , N -Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) Produce Positive Effects on Mood and Anxiety in Rodents ACS Chemical Neuroscience March 4, 2019
- Transient Stimulation with Psychoplastogens Is Sufficient to Initiate Neuronal Growth ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science September 11, 2020
- Psychedelic Microdosing: Prevalence and Subjective Effects Journal of Psychoactive Drugs January 23, 2020
- The Psychedelic Future of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Current Neuropharmacology January 5, 2024
and 88 more in the library
Cites 94
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- Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity Cell Reports June 1, 2018
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- Amphetamine, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, and Metabolites of the Catecholamine Neurotransmitters Are Agonists of a Rat Trace Amine Receptor Molecular Pharmacology December 1, 2001
- The Hallucinogen N,N -Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) Is an Endogenous Sigma-1 Receptor Regulator Science February 13, 2009
and 89 more in the library