Ayahuasca, a traditional medicine, shows promise in psychedelic therapies. In a study involving 120 participants, 75% reported significant mood improvements after consumption. Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, the analysis identified key compounds like harmine and harmaline, essential for understanding ayahuasca's effects. This innovative approach highlights the intersection of analytical chemistry and traditional practices, paving the way for advancements in forensic toxicology and drug analysis. With psychedelics gaining attention, these findings underscore the importance of chemistry in exploring their therapeutic potential.
Ecstasy tablets shaped as "Stormtrooper" heads seized in Poland between 2020 and 2021 contained not only MDMA but also MDA and, for the first time in Polish seizures, a novel phenylethylamine derivative called MDDM. MDDM is a methyl analogue of MDMA and a dimethyl analogue of MDA with limited pharmacological data and reportedly mild psychoactive effects, likely arising as a by-product of illicit MDMA synthesis. Quantitative analysis showed MDA in the highest concentrations per tablet (26–74 mg), followed by MDDM (11–28 mg) and MDMA (3–11 mg). Although MDDM alone is considered low potency, its co-occurrence with other phenylethylamines may produce synergistic effects and increase toxicity. These findings highlight the unpredictable composition of street drugs and the need for continuous forensic monitoring.