DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine)
Definition
The simplest tryptamine hallucinogen, MW 188.27 g/mol, orally inactive due to MAO metabolism; active when smoked (25-60 mg) or combined with MAO inhibitors (ayahuasca). Endogenous in trace amounts in humans.
- Full name
- N,N-dimethyltryptamine
- Class
- Tryptamine hallucinogen
- Molecular weight
- 188.27 g/mol
- Oral route
- Inactive alone due to MAO metabolism
- Active dose smoked
- 25 to 60 mg
Common questions
Why is ayahuasca active orally when pure DMT is not?+
Ayahuasca combines DMT-containing plant material with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor from another plant, which blocks the enzyme that would otherwise break down DMT in the gut and liver before it reaches the brain.
Does finding trace DMT in a person's blood prove recent drug use?+
Not necessarily at very low levels; DMT occurs endogenously in trace amounts in humans, so toxicologists interpret concentration against reference ranges for endogenous production rather than treating any detectable level as proof of ingestion.
Related terms
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- 5-MeO-DMT
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- Ayahuasca
- A traditional Amazonian brew combining a DMT-containing plant (Psychotria viridis) with Banisteriopsis caapi containing beta-carboline MAO inhibitors (harmine, harmaline), allowing oral bioavailability...
- Beta-Carboline Alkaloids
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- Breakthrough Therapy Designation (FDA)
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- Ehrlich Reagent
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- LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
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- Psilocin
- 4-Hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine; the active deacylated metabolite of psilocybin responsible for psychedelic effects. Rapidly oxidises in solution, causing the characteristic blue bruising in Psilocybe...
- Psilocybin
- 4-Phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine; a prodrug found in Psilocybe genus mushrooms. Dephosphorylated in vivo to psilocin (the active form) by alkaline phosphatase. Active at 1-4...