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A single inhalation of vapor from dried toad secretion containing 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) in a naturalistic setting is related to sustained enhancement of satisfaction with life, mindfulness-related capacities, and a decrement of psychopathological symptoms.

Malin V. Uthaug, R. Lancelotta, Kim van Oorsouw, K. P. C. Kuypers, Natasha L. Mason, J. Rak, Anna Šuláková, Radek Jurok, Michal Maryška, Martin Kuchař, Tomáš Páleníček, Jordi Riba, J. G. Ramaekers

Psychopharmacology April 13, 2019 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05236-w (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Observational cohort Peer reviewed
Sample size 42
Population Volunteers who inhaled vapor from dried toad secretion at several European locations
Duration Assessments at baseline, within 24 hours, and 4 weeks following intake
Topics 5-MeO-DMT DMT Meditation
Keywords Mental health Psychological health Emotional well-being Mental wellness Psychological well-being Emotional health Inner peace Contentment Satisfaction Psychedelics Entheogens Hallucinogens Psychotropic compounds Mind-altering substances Consciousness-expanding substances Visionary compounds Natural remedies Alternative therapy Holistic health Complementary medicine Natural compounds Herbal medicine Traditional medicine Research study Scientific research Clinical trial Investigation Experiment Academic study
Citations 198
Key findings A single inhalation of vapor from dried toad secretion containing 5-MeO-DMT was followed by significant increases in satisfaction with life and convergent thinking at 24 hours that persisted at four weeks, increased mindfulness at four weeks, and decreased depression, anxiety, and stress reaching significance at four weeks. Higher ego dissolution or oceanic boundlessness during the session was associated with greater life satisfaction and lower depression and stress. The authors argue these results warrant exploratory research into therapeutic applications of 5-MeO-DMT.

Abstract

Background: 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (hereinafter referred to as 5-MeO-DMT) is a psychedelic substance found in the secretion from the parotoid glands of the Bufo alvarius toad. Inhalation of vapor from toad secretion containing 5-MeO-DMT has become popular in naturalistic settings as a treatment of mental health problems or as a means for spiritual exploration. However, knowledge of the effects of 5-MeO-DMT in humans is limited.

Aims: The first objective of this study was to assess sub-acute and long-term effects of inhaling vapor from dried toad secretion containing 5-MeO-DMT on affect and cognition. The second objective was to assess whether any changes were associated with the psychedelic experience.

Methods: Assessments at baseline, within 24 h and 4 weeks following intake, were made in 42 individuals who inhaled vapor from dried toad secretion at several European locations.

Results: Relative to baseline, ratings of satisfaction with life and convergent thinking significantly increased right after intake and were maintained at follow-up 4 weeks later. Ratings of mindfulness also increased over time and reached statistical significance at 4 weeks. Ratings of depression, anxiety, and stress decreased after the session, and reached significance at 4 weeks. Participants that experienced high levels of ego dissolution or oceanic boundlessness during the session displayed higher ratings of satisfaction with life and lower ratings of depression and stress.

Conclusion: A single inhalation of vapor from dried toad secretion containing 5-MeO-DMT produces sub-acute and long-term changes in affect and cognition in volunteers. These results warrant exploratory research into therapeutic applications of 5-MeO-DMT.

In the evidence

This study is part of the evidence base for 2 syntheses in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.

  • State of the evidence: 5-MeO-DMT Supports

    A single inhalation was followed by significant increases in satisfaction with life and convergent thinking at 24 hours persisting at four weeks, increased mindfulness at four weeks, and decreased depression, anxiety, and stress reaching significance at four weeks, with greater ego dissolution associated with better outcomes.

    Synthesized

  • State of the evidence: DMT Supports

    A single inhalation of 5-MeO-DMT-containing toad vapor was followed by increased satisfaction with life and convergent thinking at 24 hours persisting at four weeks, increased mindfulness and decreased depression, anxiety, and stress at four weeks.

    Synthesized

Comparable studies

Other observational and cohort studies on 5-MeO-DMT, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Intensity of Mystical Experiences Occasioned by 5-MeO-DMT and Comparison With a Prior Psilocybin Study Individuals at a psychospiritual retreat in Mexico 2018 Observational cohort n = 20
Neural and subjective effects of inhaled N,N-dimethyltryptamine in natural settings. Healthy and experienced participants 2021 Observational field study n = 35
A Phase 1, Dose-Ranging Study to Assess Safety and Psychoactive Effects of a Vaporized 5-Methoxy-N, N-Dimethyltryptamine Formulation (GH001) in Healthy Volunteers. Healthy volunteers 2021 Prospective dose-finding study n = 22
Open-label study of consecutive ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT assisted-therapy for trauma-exposed male Special Operations Forces Veterans: prospective data from a clinical program in Mexico. Trauma-exposed Special Operations Forces Veterans 2023 Prospective clinical program evaluation n = 86
Exploring 5-MeO-DMT as a pharmacological model for deconstructed consciousness. Participants in naturalistic ceremonial settings who ingested 5-MeO-DMT 2025 Observational study

Citations in the library

Cited by 170

and 165 more in the library

Cites 33

and 28 more in the library

Related reading

Explore topics

5-MeO-DMT DMT Meditation Anxiety Depression Ego dissolution