Enhancing mindfulness and compassion through an ayahuasca-inspired formulation containing N,N-DMT and harmine: A randomized controlled trial in healthy subjects

A single dose of an ayahuasca-inspired DMT/harmine formulation increased mindfulness, self-compassion, and compassion toward others in 31 healthy participants one day after treatment, compared with placebo. The effects were larger in participants who reported higher sensitivity to the drug. The findings suggest that such formulations may have therapeutic potential for mood disorders by enhancing mindfulness and compassion, though further studies in clinical settings are needed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background: Mindfulness and compassion are therapeutically relevant and can be increased through different forms of meditation practices. However, meditation practice needs time and commitment. These resources are often limited in patients with mood disorders. Therefore, efficacious remedies that increase mindfulness and compassion could provide therapeutic options. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychedelic experiences induced by an ayahuasca-inspired N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT)/harmine formulation on mindfulness and compassion in healthy subjects. Methods: This study applies a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled within-subjects design in a laboratory setting with 31 healthy participants. Each subject received a formulation comprising DMT + harmine, harmine + placebo, and placebo only on three different study days. Primary outcomes were mindfulness (MINDSENS) and compassion (SOCS). Results: A significant effect of the drug on mindfulness (p < 0.05, F = 3.41), self-compassion (SOCS-S; p < 0.01, F = 7.53), and compassion with others (SOCS-O; p < 0.05, F = 3.37) 1 day post-treatment was found. Significant differences between the high- and low-sensitivity groups were found for mindfulness (p < 0.05, F = 6.54), self-compassion (p < 0.05, F = 4.21), and compassion with others (p < 0.05, F = 4.42). Conclusions: In line with previous studies on traditional botanical ayahuasca, our findings support the notion that the DMT/harmine formulation might have therapeutic potential through its ability to acutely enhance mindfulness and compassion. Continuing studies in therapeutic settings are needed to further elucidate the mechanisms of action of ayahuasca-inspired formulations.