Dimethyltryptamine: Endogenous Role and Therapeutic Potential

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019

Authors

Rodrigues, AVSL (Author) Other; Almeida, FJ (Author) Other; vieira-coelho, ma (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

Vol. 51

Pages: 299-310

ISSN: 0279-1072

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 11 Citations

Scopus - 13 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Q-K9E

DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2019.1602291

Abstract (EN): N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an indole alkaloid produced by a number of plants and animals, including humans. Its psychoactive effects were first described in 1956 by Stephen Szara, but have been exploited for centuries by South American indigenous populations in the form of ayahuasca. In the present review, we assess the state of the art regarding a putative role for endogenous DMT and potential clinical applications of ayahuasca and DMT. A review assessing the pharmacological profile of DMT and its clinical effects in humans was performed using the PubMed data base until 5 August 2018 with the words: ayahuasca and N,N-dimethyltryptamine. While the role of endogenous DMT remains unclear, ayahuasca has promising results in anxiety, depression and substance dependence. Since ayahuasca has a good safety profile, it is crucial to conduct further research aimed at developing new treatments for psychiatric disorders.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12