The Pharmacological Production Status of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine

Nathan D. Singhal

CHM1046C

Abstract N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (also commonly referred to as N,N-DMT or simply DMT) is an organic compound known for its profound psychoactive properties and is found endogenously in various forms of life including members of the class Mammalia. Its uses range from a recreational psychedelic to a candidate in chemically-assisted cognitive psychotherapy. Synthesis of DMT involves simple enzymatic decarboxylation and transmethylation of the amino acid, LTryptophan. Its molecular structure is similar to that of the neurochemical serotonin, not unlike other psychedelic compounds such as psilocin and psilocybin (the psychoactive tryptamines found in psychedelic mushrooms), and thus readily attaches to certain serotonin receptor sites and a number of other G protein-coupled receptors upon introduction to the Central Nervous System. To experience the psychedelic effects of DMT, users must consume a non-endogenous dose of the compound either through its inhalation, intravenous injection, or oral ingestion. Users who choose the latter must also consume an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) which binds to the active site of the enzyme, monoamine oxidase, which would normally breakdown Dimethyltryptamine once it enters the stomach. The molecular formula for N,N-Dimethyltryptamine is C12H16N2 and its density of 1.099 g/cm3 is only slightly greater than that of liquid waters. N,N-Dimethyltryptamine is currently classified as a schedule I controlled substance in the United States, having no accepted medical value which makes any experiments involving pharmaceutical grade DMT a challenge to conduct.

Introduction N,N-Dimethyltryptamines primary pharmacological formulation involves concocting a primitive brew from numerous botanical components, some of which contain the chemical endogenously and others which possess an MAOI. This mixture, known as Ayahuasca, is produced by shamans of indigenous Amazonian tribes and is associated with a number of undesirable side-affects upon ingestion including profuse vomiting and diarrhea. The entire experience also possesses a lack of professional oversight that many may feel to be unsettling and somewhat of a danger. Despite these complications, many Americans make the decision to travel to the jungle and pursue the drug in hopes of experiencing its fabled psychological effects which have been reported to be therapeutic in nature. Overview of Relevant Literature Much is unknown about N,N-Dimethyltryptamine. Some professionals of the medical community advocate further research, insisting its effect are too profound to be left ignored. Growing research has shown that similar compounds, like psilocin and psilocybin, can successfully be used to treat the symptoms of behavioral disorders such as PTSD and other psychological complications involving learned behaviors, explicitly those concerning fear and anxiety. Other studies have shown low doses of hallucinogenic drugs are able to beneficially aid certain aspects of cognitive therapy. Many also argue it could provide helpful insight into the mechanisms of consciousness. Clinical research has established that Dimethyltryptamine appears endogenously in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as well as in other bodily species; however, the concentration of N,NDMT found in human CNS was greater than that of all other samples by a factor of over ten-

thousand. Some professionals have concluded this to be a clear indication of the chemicals presence in the brain. One scientist has even gone so far as to argue that the causation of neardeath experiences (NDEs) involves a mass secretion of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine by the brains pineal gland. And while the effects of endogenous DMT on neurological activity and the actual presence of endogenous Dimethyltryptamine in the human brain are both unknown, a recent study has confirmed the existence of an enzyme directly attributed to its biosynthesis within the pineal gland of our close evolutionary relative, the rhesus macaque. Analysis and Proposed Improvement Despite immense pressures from political institutions to discourage further research, many members of the scientific community agree that a more in-depth look should be taken concerning the chemical and its possible value to the fields of Psychology and Neurobiology. Im not an advocate of recreational (and sometimes even prescription) drug use but I see that there are clear medical implications involving these studies. I would like to see more research conducted on the effects of these drugs and the allowance of their supervised use as deemed appropriate based on the resulting data. This means synthesizing them in a laboratory headed by professionals, not a shaman in the Amazonian rainforest or a street chemist looking to turn a profit. These chemicals, DMT in particular, appear to provide a valuable and insightful tool for many scientists and I believe we should take the time to understand exactly what they have to offer.

Conclusion N,N-Dimethyltryptamine is a highly controversial compound known for its ability to induce altered states of consciousness. Its medicinal qualities are not well understood and research is hard to come by because of its prohibition. Its currently being primarily produced by under-qualified persons in less-than favorable conditions. All research conducted thus far has indicated some degree of its psychological significance but failed to thoroughly examine many inquiries involving its nature. The future of clinical research on its behalf is again uncertain due to its current legality.

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Monoamine oxidase inhibitors in South American hallucinogenic plants: Tryptamine and -carboline constituents of Ayahuasca
Dennis J. McKennaa, G.H.N. Towersa, F. Abbottb Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C.Canada Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C.Canada

Evidence for 5-HT2 involvement in the mechanism of action of hallucinogenic agents

Richard A. Glennon1, Milt Titeler2, J.D. McKenney1 Department of Medicinal Chemistry School of Pharmacy Medical College of Virginia Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA 23298-0001, USA Albany Medical College Albany, NY 12208, US

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