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

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.

DMT and Non-serotonergic Molecular Targets - S1R

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, N,N-dimethyltryptamine is an endogenous hallucinogen that was synthesized in 1931 by Canadian chemist Richard Manske.

Syracuse University

Grinnell College

- Ayahuasca
- LSD
- Psilocybin
- MDMA
- DMT
- Mescaline

Types of Psychedelics

Barker, S. A. (2018). N, n-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), an endogenous hallucinogen: Past, present, and future research to determine its role and function. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2018.00536


N, n-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), an endogenous hallucinogen: Past, present, and future research to determine its role and function.

A brewed Amazonian drink with psychoactive properties made by boiling Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis bush leaves ( which contains harmala alkaloids, which render the hallucinogenic component DMT orally active).  It was originally used by indigenous shamans for religious rituals and healing. Now it is being used for recreation, being incorporated into folk medicine, and treatment for addiction, anxiety, and depression. 

Ayahuasca

Psilocybin is a 5HT-2A (serotonin 2A) receptor agonist that is a naturally-occurring psychedelic compound. It is derived from over 200 species of fungi, many from the genus Psilocybe. A purified bioactive compound derived from medicinal mushrooms.

Psilocybin

- Come from the Peyote cactus
- Naturally occurring hallucinogen
- Currently illegal

Mescaline

- Psychedelic, hallucinagenic, man-made compound
- Impacts cognitive, emotional, and perceptual processes in the brain through binding to serotonin receptors
- Thought to improve cognition and may have a positive effect on mental health
- Currently illegal in the United States, however, LSD is increasing in its usage

LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) 

DMT 

MDMA, or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is a mild stimulant with perception-altering effects, commonly known as 'ecstasy' or 'Molly'. It is typically ingested in pill form and produces effects such as increased energy, feelings of pleasure, and emotional warmth. While it has stimulant properties, its classification is debated due to its hallucinogenic effects and chemical similarity to amphetamines.

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