Infoveillance and Critical Analysis of the Systematically Reviewed Literature on Dimethyltryptamine and the "God Molecule".
Ahmed Al-Imam, Marek A Motyka, Beata Hoffmann, Anita Magowska, Michal Michalak
Pharmaceuticals June 2, 2023 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060831 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review and infodemiology study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Google Trends search data from 2012 to 2022 |
| Duration | 10 years (2012-2022) |
| Topics | 5-MeO-DMT DMT |
| Keywords | 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine Colorado river toad Sonoran desert toad Psychedelic agents Psychedelics hallucinogens Entheogens Toad Medicine 5-MEO-DMT |
| Citations | 6 |
| Key findings | Online searches for 5-MeO-DMT, Sonoran Desert toad, and Colorado River toad showed significant upward linear trends over the past decade. |
Abstract
Aboriginals of Latin America have used DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine) in ritualistic ceremonies for centuries. Nevertheless, there are limited data on web users' interest concerning DMT. We aim to review the literature and explore the spatial-temporal mapping of online search behavior concerning DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and the Colorado River toad via Google Trends over the past 10 years (2012-2022) while using 5 search terms: "N,N-dimethyltryptamine", "5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine", "5-MeO-DMT", "Colorado River toad", and "Sonoran Desert toad". Literature analysis conveyed novel information concerning DMT's past shamanic and present-day illicit uses, showcased experimental trials on DMT uses for neurotic disorders, and highlighted potential uses in modern medicine. DMT's geographic mapping signals originated mainly from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Far East Asia. In contrast, 5-MeO-DMT signals prevailed in Western Europe, Indo-China, and Australasia. Signals concerning the toad originated from the Americas, Australia, India, the Philippines, and Europe. Web users searched the most for "N,N-dimethyltryptamine" and "5-MeO-DMT". Three terms exhibited significant upgoing linear temporal trends: "5-MeO-DMT" (β = 0.37, p < 0.001), "Sonoran Desert toad" (β = 0.23, p < 0.001), and "Colorado River toad" (β = 0.17, p < 0.001). The literature and Infoedemiology data provided crucial information concerning DMT's legal status, risks and benefits, and potential for abuse. Nonetheless, we opine that in the upcoming decades, physicians might use DMT to manage neurotic disorders pending a change in its legal status.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on 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 | |
| Pharmahuasca: Human Pharmacology of Oral DMT Plus Harmine Human self-experimenters | 1999 | Review | n = 8 |
| The psychedelic model of schizophrenia: the case of N,N- dimethyltryptamine | 1976 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- 5-MeO-DMT: An atypical psychedelic with unique pharmacology, phenomenology & risk? Psychopharmacology December 11, 2023
- Opinion Mining of Erowid's Experience Reports on LSD and Psilocybin-Containing Mushrooms. Drug safety May 1, 2025
- The therapeutic potential of ayahuasca in depression, generalized anxiety, and substance use disorders: modulation of the depressive burden in a longitudinal study. Frontiers in Psychiatry 2026
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and 41 more in the library