THH acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), similar to many traditional prescribed antidepressants.

THH and Serotonin

DMT is very structurally similar to the endogenous neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT). DMT, like other psychedelics has a liking for various serotonin receptors such as 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A, where it acts as an agonist and causes a decrease in serotonergic strength and increases amounts of neural firing through both the excitatory postsynaptic potentials and currents.

DMT and Serotonin

DMT and THH both impact serotonin levels in the brain.

Syracuse University

When Ayahuasca is brewed, the beta-carboline harmala alkaloids prevent the liver from breaking down the DMT, allowing the DMT to circulate through the nervous system causing pharmacological effects. 
(Image shows the chemical structures in Ayahuasca)

Chemical Reaction of Ayahuasca: Beta-carboline DMT interaction

Domínguez-clavé, E., Soler, J., Elices, M., Pascual, J. C., Álvarez, E., De la fuente revenga, M., Friedlander, P., Feilding, A., & Riba, J. (2016). Ayahuasca: Pharmacology, neuroscience and therapeutic potential. Brain Research Bulletin, 126, 89-101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.03.002


Ayahuasca: Pharmacology, neuroscience and therapeutic potential

Ayahuasca and Serotonin

DMT has a molecular attraction to the intracellular sigma-1 receptor (S1R). The S1R is correlated with the endoplasmic reticulum, increasing neural plasticity through dendritic spine formation, and regulating protein activities.

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