Kinetic profile of N,N-dimethyltryptamine and β-carbolines in saliva and serum after oral administration of ayahuasca in a religious context.
Drug testing and analysis March 1, 2021 Rafael Lanaro, Sueli Moreira Mello, Kelly Francisco da Cunha et al. 10 citations
After consuming ayahuasca, alkaloids such as DMT and β-carbolines reach higher peak concentrations and overall exposure in saliva than in serum, while their mean residence time is 1.5 to 3 times longer in serum. A statistical model suggests that serum concentrations can be predicted from saliva concentrations, though individual variability is large. Saliva offers a fast, noninvasive way to detect these alkaloids and could aid in identifying recreational use of similar compounds that pose intoxication risks.