A methanol extract and N,N-dimethyltryptamine from Psychotria viridis Ruiz & Pav. inhibit Zika virus infection in vitro
T. Moraes, A. Ferraz, W. S. da Cruz Nizer, A. Tótola, Débora B S Soares, Lucienir P Duarte, Sidney A Vieira-Filho, Cintia L B Magalhães, J. D. de Magalhães
Archives of Virology September 18, 2021 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-021-05230-8 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | In vitro study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Cultured cells |
| Intervention | Dimethyltryptamine |
| Topics | 5-MeO-DMT DMT |
| Citations | 10 |
| Key points | Methanol extract and dimethyltryptamine from Psychotria viridis inhibit Zika virus infection in vitro, with the extract showing virucidal activity and both samples blocking intracellular stages of the viral cycle. |
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a public health problem due to its association with serious fetal and neurological complications and the lack of antiviral agents and licensed vaccines against this virus. Surveillance studies have alerted about the potential occurrence of a new South American epidemic episode due to the recent circulation of an African ZIKV strain detected in Brazil. Therefore, it is essential to discover antiviral agents, including natural substances, that are capable of neutralizing the action of ZIKV. Several Psychotria species have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, a methanol extract and dimethyltryptamine from Psychotria viridis were evaluated for their ability to inhibit ZIKV infection in vitro by measuring the effective concentration that protects 50% of cells and investigating their possible mechanisms of action. The tested samples showed antiviral activity against ZIKV. The extract showed virucidal activity, affecting viral and non-cellular elements, inactivating the virus before infection or when it becomes extracellular after the second cycle of infection. It was also observed that both extract and dimethyltryptamine could inhibit the virus at intracellular stages of the viral cycle. In addition to dimethyltryptamine, it is believed that other compounds also contribute to the promising virucidal effect observed for the methanol extract. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the activity of a methanolic extract and dimethyltryptamine from Psychotria viridis against cellular ZIKV infection. These two samples, extracted from natural sources, are potential candidates for use as antiviral drugs to inhibit ZIKV infections.
Comparable studies
Other preclinical and animal studies on 5-MeO-DMT, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine modulate innate and adaptive inflammatory responses through the sigma-1 receptor of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Human primary monocyte-derived dendritic cells | 2014 | In vitro study | |
| Effects of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine on Rat Behaviors Relevant to Anxiety and Depression Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats | 2018 | Experimental study | |
| Hallucinogen-like actions of 5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine in mice and rats. Mice and rats | 2006 | Preclinical study | |
| Agonist Properties of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine at Serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C Receptors Rats and transfected fibroblasts | 1998 | Experimental study | |
| Subtypes of the 5-HT receptor mediating the behavioural responses to 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine in the rat Intact rats and rats depleted of monoamines with reserpine | 1985 | Experimental study |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Extraction and Characterization of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine from Mimosa tenuiflora: A Multivariate Approach ACS Omega September 16, 2025
- Rumors of Psychedelics, Psychotropics and Related Derivatives in Vachellia and Senegalia in Contrast with Verified Records in Australian Acacia. Plants December 2, 2022
- Are psychedelics anti-inflammatory? A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining the immunomodulatory effects of serotonergic psychedelics. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity September 28, 2026
Cites 5
- Biosynthesis and Extracellular Concentrations of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in Mammalian Brain. Scientific Reports June 27, 2019
- Application of analytical methods for the structural characterization and purity assessment of N,N-dimethyltryptamine, a potent psychedelic agent isolated from Mimosa tenuiflora inner barks Microchemical Journal April 5, 2012
- An ontogenic study of the behavioral effects of chronic intermittent exposure to ayahuasca in mice Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research 2017
- Ayahuasca: uma abordagem toxicológica do uso ritualístico Archives of Clinical Psychiatry (São Paulo) December 1, 2005
- Psychotria viridis: Chemical constituents from leaves and biological properties. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias 2017