Incilius alvarius Cell-Based Synthesis of 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine.
Leonard Lerer, Eric Reynolds, Jeet Varia, Karin Blakolmer, Bernard Lerer
Psychedelic Medicine March 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1089/psymed.2022.0001 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Laboratory study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Incilius alvarius parotoid gland cells |
| Topics | 5-MeO-DMT DMT |
| Keywords | Sonoran desert toad Chromatography Entourage molecules Psychedelics 5-MEO-DMT Tryptamines Entheogens Hallucinogens Biotechnology cell culture Tissue engineering Bioprocessing Conservation species protection Wildlife preservation Endangere |
| Citations | 6 |
| Key points | A cell line established from the parotoid gland of Incilius alvarius can biosynthesize 5-MeO-DMT, confirmed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. |
Abstract
There is growing interest in the therapeutic potential of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) for psychiatric disorders. Although 5-MeO-DMT can be chemically synthesized, the parotoid gland secretions of Incilius alvarius (also known as the Colorado River or Sonoran Desert toad) contain 5-MeO-DMT and other molecules including bufotenine, bufagenins, bufotoxins, and indole alkylamines that may have individual clinical utility or act as entourage molecules to enhance the activity of 5-MeO-DMT. I. alvarius is currently under severe ecological pressure due to demand for natural 5-MeO-DMT and habitat loss. We established a cell line from tissue obtained by wedge biopsy of the I. alvarius parotoid gland and confirmed the cell-based biosynthesis of 5-MeO-DMT by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Cell-based biosynthesis of I. alvarius parotoid gland secretions is a potentially cruelty-free and sustainable source of naturally derived 5-MeO-DMT for research and drug development.
Comparable studies
Other experimental studies on 5-MeO-DMT, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short term changes in the proteome of human cerebral organoids induced by 5-MeO-DMT. Human cerebral organoids | 2017 | Experimental study | |
| Bufo alvarius: a potent hallucinogen of animal origin. Bufo alvarius toad venom | 1994 | Experimental study | |
| Prospective examination of synthetic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine inhalation: effects on salivary IL-6, cortisol levels, affect, and non-judgment Volunteers | 2019 | Within-subjects experimental study | n = 11 |
| Unmasking of a neonatal somatovesical reflex in adult cats by the serotonin autoreceptor agonist 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine. Adult cats | 1990 | Experimental study | n = 10 |
| Studies on the Mechanism of Action of Monoamine Oxidase: Metabolism of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and N,N-Dimethyltryptamine-N-Oxide | 1962 | Experimental study |
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Toad in the road: Biocultural history and conservation challenges of the Sonoran Desert Toad Journal of Psychedelic Studies November 30, 2023
- Complete biosynthesis of psychedelic tryptamines from three kingdoms in plants Science Advances April 1, 2026
- 5-MeO-DMT in the complete resolution of the consequences of chronic, severe sexual abuse in early childhood—a retrospective case study June 7, 2024
- Fabricated Ancestrality: The Sonoran Desert Toad, Psychedelic Globalization, and the Ecological Politics of 5-MeO-DMT Psychedelics March 1, 2026
- Diet and chemical defenses of the Sonoran Desert toad PLoS One November 10, 2025
and 1 more in the library
Cites 7
- Psychedelics and the Human Receptorome PLoS One 2010
- Psychedelic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine: metabolism, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, and pharmacological actions. Current Drug Metabolism October 1, 2010
- Biochemical Mechanisms Underlying Psychedelic-Induced Neuroplasticity. Biochemistry January 21, 2022
- Prospective examination of synthetic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine inhalation: effects on salivary IL-6, cortisol levels, affect, and non-judgment Psychopharmacology December 10, 2019
- The clinical pharmacology and potential therapeutic applications of 5‐methoxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐DMT) Journal of Neurochemistry February 12, 2022
and 2 more in the library