Enhancing mindfulness and compassion through an ayahuasca-inspired formulation containing N,N-DMT and harmine: A randomized controlled trial in healthy subjects.
Helena Aicher, Ilhui A Wicki, Daniel Meling, Michael J Mueller, Dario Dornbierer, Milan Scheidegger
Journal of Psychopharmacology June 19, 2025 DOI: 10.1177/02698811251344689 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled within-subjects design Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 31 |
| Population | Healthy participants |
| Interventions | DMT/harmine formulation harmine + placebo placebo only |
| Duration | 1 day post-treatment |
| Topics | Ayahuasca DMT Meditation |
| Keywords | Harmine Psychedelics Psychoactive compounds Formulation Mental well-being Psychological benefits Self-compassion Beneficial qualities Clinical study Findings |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key points | A DMT/harmine formulation significantly increased mindfulness and compassion one day after administration in healthy subjects. |
Abstract
Mindfulness and compassion are therapeutically relevant and can be increased through different forms of meditation practices. However, meditation practice needs time and commitment. These resources are often limited in patients with mood disorders. Therefore, efficacious remedies that increase mindfulness and compassion could provide therapeutic options. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychedelic experiences induced by an ayahuasca-inspired N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT)/harmine formulation on mindfulness and compassion in healthy subjects. This study applies a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled within-subjects design in a laboratory setting with 31 healthy participants. Each subject received a formulation comprising DMT + harmine, harmine + placebo, and placebo only on three different study days. Primary outcomes were mindfulness (MINDSENS) and compassion (SOCS). A significant effect of the drug on mindfulness (p < 0.05, F = 3.41), self-compassion (SOCS-S; p < 0.01, F = 7.53), and compassion with others (SOCS-O; p < 0.05, F = 3.37) 1 day post-treatment was found. Significant differences between the high- and low-sensitivity groups were found for mindfulness (p < 0.05, F = 6.54), self-compassion (p < 0.05, F = 4.21), and compassion with others (p < 0.05, F = 4.42). In line with previous studies on traditional botanical ayahuasca, our findings support the notion that the DMT/harmine formulation might have therapeutic potential through its ability to acutely enhance mindfulness and compassion. Continuing studies in therapeutic settings are needed to further elucidate the mechanisms of action of ayahuasca-inspired formulations.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on DMT, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dose-Response Study of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine in Humans Experienced hallucinogen users | 1994 | Double-blind, saline placebo-controlled, randomized study | n = 12 |
| DMT Models the Near-Death Experience Healthy participants | 2018 | Within-subjects placebo-controlled study | n = 13 |
| Human brain effects of DMT assessed via EEG-fMRI. Healthy volunteers | 2023 | Within-subjects, placebo-controlled design | n = 20 |
| Psychological Effects of (S)-Ketamine and N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT): A Double-Blind, Cross-Over Study in Healthy Volunteers Healthy volunteers | 2005 | Double-blind crossover study | n = 9 |
| Differential tolerance to biological and subjective effects of four closely spaced doses of N,N-dimethyltryptamine in humans Experienced hallucinogen users | 1996 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 13 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Combined DMT-harmine formulation reduces negative self-referential emotions during social self-evaluation: a randomized placebo-controlled trial in healthy volunteers. Psychopharmacology July 14, 2026
- Registered Clinical Trials of Ayahuasca and DMT: A Scoping Review. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics July 1, 2026
Cites 51
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- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation Perspectives on Psychological Science October 10, 2017
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
and 46 more in the library