Translational Psychiatry
September 28, 2020
José Á. Morales-García, Javier Calleja‐conde, Jose Antonio López‐moreno et al.
139 citations
N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a component of the ayahuasca brew, activates the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus, the main adult neurogenic niche, promoting the generation of new neurons. Mice treated with DMT performed better on memory tests than control animals, suggesting a functional relevance for the newly produced neurons. The neurogenic effect appears to involve sigma-1 receptor activation, as a sigma-1 receptor antagonist blocked it. These findings demonstrate that DMT treatment enhances adult neurogenesis and improves spatial learning and memory.
Addiction Biology
August 31, 2022
Elena Giné, Javier Calleja‐conde, José Á. Morales-García et al.
49 citations
Classic psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, ayahuasca, and mescaline act mainly on 5-HT2A receptors and are being studied as treatments for psychiatric disorders, including alcohol use problems. This systematic review analyzed 27 studies (20 human, 7 preclinical) published between 2000 and 2021. Human studies generally suggest that classic psychedelics could help reduce alcohol consumption, but many have methodological limitations such as small sample sizes or lack of control groups. Preclinical studies are scarce and show conflicting results. Psilocybin shows the most consistent data as a potential candidate for treating alcohol use disorders. More rigorous studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.
DIGITAL.CSIC (Spanish National Research Council (CSIC))
May 12, 2026
Javier Calleja‐conde, Víctor Echeverry‐alzate, Marina Sanz-Sancristóbal et al.
Parkinson's disease involves progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway, along with brain inflammation. Current medications only manage symptoms. This preclinical study tested N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), the active compound in ayahuasca, which activates serotonin 5-HT2A receptors (causing hallucinogenic effects) and sigma-1 receptors linked to neuroprotection. DMT treatment produced molecular changes in the nigrostriatal pathway indicating reduced neuroinflammation and preserved neurons. Behavioral tests also showed symptom improvement. These results suggest DMT may modify disease progression in Parkinson's disease, supporting further research.