DMT: Effects And Mechanism Of Action Of This Substance
DMT is a psychoactive substance with powerful hallucinogenic effects It is a compound present in different plants, and to a lesser extent in the brain of mammals. Likewise, it is an element that has been frequently used in mystical and spiritual rituals throughout time. In recent times, its use has also been transferred to pharmacology in different psychiatric treatments.
Below we will see what DMT is, what its main effects are and what its mechanism of action is.
DMT is the acronym that refers to N,N-dimethyltryptamine, a chemical substance with powerful hallucinogenic properties that is obtained from plant substances Its consumption can be in the form of an extract, or as a refined synthetic. In the latter case, the product is a small solid that generally has a white color; although when mixed with other substances for illegal sale it can have different colors.
This substance is consumed orally, either by ingestion or inhalation (i.e., smoking). In both cases its effects are perceived almost immediately, although when consumed by inhalation, its effect is faster and avoids the possible adverse reactions implied by its absorption by the stomach at the time of ingestion.
As it is a component that can be found in one or more plant elements, DMT It is considered an entheogenic substance One of these elements is, for example, psychotria vidris or chacruna, a plant that is used to prepare ayahuasca or yagé (traditional indigenous drink used by several American peoples).
Likewise, and in small proportions, DMT is produced by our own brain, which is why it is also considered an endogenous chemical substance. On the other hand, DMT belongs to the pharmacological category of tryptamines, which are alkaloids with neuromodulatory effects.
Finally, due to its effects on the body, DMT is considered a hallucinogenic-type psychoactive substance. That is to say, Its main effect is to produce hallucinations, with special existential and mystical content. For this reason it is also known as “the molecule of God”.
Mechanism of action
DMT acts by inhibiting an enzyme called monoamine oxidase (MAO). That is, it is activated when another substance prevents MAOs from acting within the body. This is because this enzyme, MAO, has the main function of inactivating or degrading some neurotransmitters, among which is dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, adrenaline and also DMT.
In other words, when monoamine oxidase activity is inhibited, DMT levels are also prevented from gradually decreasing. Thus, for DMT to have its effects, it must be mixed with a substance that is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).
Some substances that act as MAOIs are beta-carboline class alkaloids, present in plants such as Cape vinca, ryegrass or English grass, or fescue arundinacea. For their part, plants that contain DMT (whose analogue in pharmacology is the tryptamine group) are chacruna or chalitenga.
In short, for DMT to have its effects, it is necessary mix this tryptamine with some MAOI substance For this reason, DMT is usually consumed together with drugs of this type, originally used for the treatment of depression. When mixed, the effects of DMT are enhanced and prolonged, although these usually last no more than 30 minutes.
However, DMT can also be consumed without the need for MAOI substances and drugs, having an imperceptible effect. It is rapidly metabolized in the body and its consumption without MAOIs does not generate tolerance, probably due to its endogenous and entheogenic nature.
Three main effects and uses
The effects of DMT usually last between 5 and 30 minutes and are mainly hallucinations of various types. Although these effects are short-lived, the experiences they cause are usually very intense. Likewise, DMT has been related to brain activity and with pharmacological treatment of some psychiatric diagnoses Following the above, we will see three of its main effects below.
1. Hallucinations
As we have said, the main effect of DMT is to cause hallucinations, both visual, auditory and sensory, with quite elaborate mystical content. For example, may include extrasensory or non-verbal communications with different beings or perception of having made astral trips.
Likewise, its prolonged use and in high doses can induce manic and psychotic episodes, or an increase in the symptoms associated with these states. Likewise (and as usually happens with psychoactive substances), it can generate withdrawal syndromes upon sudden withdrawal.
2. Hypotheses about its role in the brain
The functions of this substance in the brains of humans and animals remains a mystery. Some hypotheses maintain that is involved in dream experiences, that is, in the visual effects developed when we dream. Likewise, some hypotheses say that it can serve as a precursor to near-death experiences. The latter is another of the reasons why it is considered “the molecule of God” or “molecule of the spirit.”
Likewise, this substance has been related to some neurodegenerative medical conditions, due to its activity in the Sigma-1 receptor (a protein found in much of the central nervous system). For the same reason its use It has been significantly related to different psychiatric diagnoses such as schizophrenia and also with the treatment of depression.
The latter may be related to an increase in the global connectivity of some areas of the brain, as well as a potentiating effect of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, associated with euphoric mood states, although there is no consensus in the scientific community on this.
