Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience:N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – July 23, 2018
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a potent hallucinogen, is remarkably ubiquitous, produced by diverse plant and animal species, and even endogenously in mammals. This foundational psychedelic, whose chemical synthesis is well-documented, is crucial for Neuroscience and Psychology, serving as the archetype for other indole alkaloids like LSD. Its enigmatic biological function in humans, along with its pharmacology and potential medical applications, are key areas in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Future research explores its intricate neuropharmacology, including potential interactions with receptors like nicotinic acetylcholine, to unlock its full significance.
Abstract
Though relatively obscure, N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an important molecule in psychopharmacology as it is the archetype for all indole-containing serotonergic psychedelics. Its structure can be found embedded within those of better-known molecules such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin. Unlike the latter two compounds, DMT is ubiquitous, being produced by a wide variety of plant and animal species. It is one of the principal psychoactive components of ayahuasca, a tisane made from various plant sources that has been used for centuries. Furthermore, DMT is one of the few psychedelic compounds produced endogenously by mammals, and its biological function in human physiology remains a mystery. In this review, we cover the synthesis of DMT as well as its pharmacology, metabolism, adverse effects, and potential use in medicine. Finally, we discuss the history of DMT in chemical neuroscience and why this underappreciated molecule is so important to the field of psychedelic science.