25C-NBOMe short characterisation

25C-NBOMe, a synthetic hallucinogen from the N-methoxybenzyl group, acts as a potent serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist with effects similar to LSD, altering thoughts, feelings, and awareness. Despite frequent recreational use, knowledge of its toxic and fatal consequences remains very limited, with most data coming from clinical reports of acute intoxications. Animal and in vitro studies have identified metabolic pathways, and the drug and its metabolites can be detected in blood and urine using chromatographic and mass spectrometry methods. Easy online availability, low price, and lack of knowledge make 25C-NBOMe potentially very dangerous, highlighting the need for further research into its mechanism, pharmacology, and toxicology.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Purpose N-Methoxybenzyls, a group of toxic phenylethylamine derivatives of the 2C family compounds, are a new class of potent serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist hallucinogens with potential harmful effects. This study summarizes current state of knowledge of one of the most dangerous representative of this group—N-(2-methoxybenzyl)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-chlorophenethylamine (25C-NBOMe). Due to hallucinogenic properties similar to those observe after lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) usage (altered thoughts, feelings, and awareness of one’s surroundings), this compound is very attractive to hallucinogenic substances users. Methods An exhaustive literature search was carried out in PubMed, Google Scholar and other biomedical data bases without limiting period, to identify relevant articles. Results Despite frequent recreational use, knowledge about the 25C-NBOMe action and toxic and fatal consequences is still very limited. Most data on this drug come from clinical reports, from cases of acute fatal and non-fatal intoxications. Some animal and in vitro studies indicated a route of metabolism of the drug in the body. The drug and its metabolites were also detected in human blood and urine using combinations of chromatographic separation and mass spectrometry detection. Conclusions Overall, findings show that 25C-NBOMe is a powerful hallucinogen. Easy online availability, low prize and the lack of knowledge of 25C-NBOMe makes this substance potentially very dangerous to its users. Thus, further investigation on the mechanism of action, chemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties is needed to evaluate 25C-NBOMe potential harmful effects.