N,N-Dimethyltryptamine

N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid that produces intense, short-lasting psychedelic effects. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE in most countries (Schedule I in US). Found in ayahuasca and many plants/animals, including trace amounts in humans. This is an INFORMATIONAL entry about a research compound - DMT is not a legal supplement. Research interest exists for depression and addiction treatment, but evidence is preliminary. Effects are mediated primarily through serotonin (5-HT2A) receptors. Carries significant psychological and cardiovascular risks.

Quick Answer

What it is

N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid that produces intense, short-lasting psychedelic effects. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE in most countries (Schedule I in US).

Key findings

Grade D: Altered States of Consciousness
Grade D: Depression Symptoms
Grade D: 5-HT2A Receptor Modulation

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: N,N-Dimethyltryptamine

Quick Facts: N,N-Dimethyltryptamine

Best Evidence:Grade D
Conditions Studied:0
Research Outcomes:4

Outcomes by grade:

0 conditions · 4 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Altered States of Consciousness

Human studies confirm DMT produces intense, short-lasting psychedelic experiences including visual hallucinations and profoundly altered consciousness. Effects are mediated primarily through 5-HT2A serotonin receptor agonism. Duration varies by route: minutes when smoked/IV, hours when combined with MAO inhibitors (ayahuasca).

4 studies

large↑Improves

Depression Symptoms

Very preliminary human and preclinical research suggests potential antidepressant effects of DMT and ayahuasca (DMT + MAO inhibitor). Most evidence comes from ayahuasca combination studies rather than isolated DMT. Research on treatment-resistant depression is ongoing but DMT-specific therapeutic evidence remains extremely limited.

2 studies

moderate↓Improves

5-HT2A Receptor Modulation

In vitro and preclinical studies demonstrate DMT is a potent agonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, the primary mediator of its psychedelic effects. A 2022 study developed a photomodulable DMT derivative to study receptor dynamics, confirming the centrality of 5-HT2A binding to DMT's pharmacological activity.

large↑Improves

Addiction and Substance Use

Very early-stage research suggests potential for psychedelic-assisted approaches to addiction treatment. Evidence for DMT specifically is extremely limited; most relevant data comes from ayahuasca (DMT + MAO inhibitor combination) observational studies. This remains a speculative research area with no controlled DMT-specific trials for addiction.

1 study

small↓Worsens

Research Citations (1)

Enlightening the "Spirit Molecule": Photomodulation of the 5-HT2A Receptor by a Light-Controllable N,N-Dimethyltryptamine Derivative.

Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English) (2022)

PMID: 35349196

L-Carnitine

1 shared outcome · 558 outcomes

L-carnitine can relieve leg pain in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and treat some aspects of metabolic syndrome. Although it’s often also used for fat loss, its effectiveness for that is questionable.

Curcumin

1 shared outcome · 502 outcomes

Curcumin is the primary bioactive substance in turmeric. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can alleviate symptoms of depression as well as improve pain and function in people with osteoarthritis.

Fish Oil

1 shared outcome · 448 outcomes

Fish oil is a mix of mostly EPA and DHA derived from fatty fish. It reduces triglycerides, but does not seem to affect the rate of cardiovascular events. It appears to reduce the symptoms of depression and improve some painful, inflammatory conditions.

Creatine

1 shared outcome · 433 outcomes

Creatine is among the most well-studied and effective supplements for improving exercise performance. It does this mainly by increasing energy availability during high-intensity activity. Creatine may also provide cognitive and mental health benefits in some contexts.

Saffron

1 shared outcome · 390 outcomes

Saffron is a spice with antioxidant properties derived from the flowering plant Crocus sativus. When used as a supplement, saffron seems to be effective at reducing symptoms of depression and possibly anxiety.

Ashwagandha

1 shared outcome · 318 outcomes

Ashwagandha has been called the king of Ayurvedic herbs. It’s best known for reducing stress and anxiety. It may also modestly enhance various aspects of physical performance, increase testosterone levels, and improve reproductive health, but more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Vitamin D

1 shared outcome · 308 outcomes

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that our skin synthesizes when exposed to the sun. It benefits us in many ways, from bone health to mood.

Spirulina

1 shared outcome · 304 outcomes

Spirulina, commonly known as “blue-green algae”, is a nontoxic cyanobacterium that is rich in various nutrients and bioactive pigments and polyphenols. Spirulina contains many antioxidant compounds and could have beneficial cardiometabolic effects.