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.
Experimental neurology
September 1, 2026
Javier Calleja-Conde, Víctor Echeverry-Alzate, Marina Sanz-Sancristóbal et al.
In a preclinical model of Parkinson's disease, the compound N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), the main psychoactive ingredient in ayahuasca, reduced neuroinflammation and preserved neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway. Treated animals also showed improvements in behavior. These results suggest DMT may have disease-modifying potential for Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by loss of dopaminergic neurons and chronic inflammation, for which current treatments only relieve symptoms.
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.