The question, "What is natural DMT called?" is best answered by its formal chemical name: N,N-dimethyltryptamine, or DMT. While this scientific designation is precise, the substance has been known by many other names throughout history and in different cultural contexts. It is a powerful psychedelic compound that is not only abundant in numerous plants but is also produced in trace amounts within the mammalian body. Research into endogenous DMT is ongoing, with scientists exploring its potential roles as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator. Its complex presence in nature and pharmacology have made it a subject of extensive scientific and spiritual interest for decades.
Formal and Informal Names of Natural DMT
Beyond its chemical name, natural DMT is often referred to by a variety of other designations. These names typically reflect its cultural use or its powerful, and often rapid, psychoactive effects.
Scientific Name: N,N-Dimethyltryptamine
This is the standardized, formal name for the chemical compound. It describes the molecular structure, which is similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin. This structural resemblance is key to how DMT produces its hallucinogenic effects by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor.
Common and Street Names
- Spirit Molecule: This nickname was popularized by Dr. Rick Strassman's book DMT: The Spirit Molecule, which detailed his research in the 1990s. The name stems from the profound, often mystical or spiritual, experiences reported by users.
- Dimitri: A straightforward and common street name used to refer to the compound.
- Businessman's Special/Trip: This refers to the short duration of the experience when DMT is smoked or vaporized, sometimes lasting as little as 15–30 minutes.
- Changa: A smoking blend infused with DMT, providing an alternative route of administration to the pure crystalline powder.
- Fantasia: Another street name for the substance, reflecting its hallucinatory nature.
Natural Sources of DMT
Natural DMT is not a single compound extracted from one source but is found across a wide range of biological organisms. The specific plants and their traditional uses provide a rich history of human interaction with this potent psychedelic.
Plants and Botanicals
- Ayahuasca: The leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub, which contain DMT, are famously combined with the Banisteriopsis caapi vine to create the ayahuasca brew. The vine contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) that prevent the body from breaking down DMT, allowing it to be orally active.
- Mimosa tenuiflora (Jurema): The inner root bark of this small tree is a common and potent source of N,N-DMT, particularly in Mexico and parts of South America.
- Acacia Species: Various acacia species, such as Acacia acuminata and Acacia confusa, contain significant levels of DMT.
- Phalaris (Canary Grass): Certain species of this grass, like Phalaris arundinacea, contain small amounts of DMT, though often accompanied by potentially toxic alkaloids like gramine.
Animals
- Bufo alvarius (Sonoran Desert Toad): The poisonous secretions of this toad contain 5-MeO-DMT, a related but pharmacologically distinct compound from N,N-DMT, known for producing intense psychedelic effects.
The Human Body
In addition to plant-based sources, DMT is also produced endogenously in the mammalian, and specifically human, body. The biosynthesis occurs from the amino acid tryptophan via the enzyme indolethylamine-N-methyltransferase (INMT). While its physiological function is still under intense investigation, recent studies using microdialysis in rat brains have detected DMT at levels comparable to other neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, suggesting it may have a role in normal brain function.
Endogenous vs. Exogenous DMT
The table below outlines the key differences between the DMT produced within the body and that sourced from external plants.
| Feature | Endogenous DMT (Human) | Exogenous DMT (Plant-Derived) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Produced in various tissues, including the brain and lungs. | Extracted from specific plants like Psychotria viridis or Mimosa tenuiflora. |
| Function | Role is not fully understood, but potential functions include modulation of brain plasticity, neuroprotection, and immune response. It is also linked to dream states and near-death experiences. | Primary use is as a psychedelic or hallucinogen, often for spiritual, ritual, or therapeutic purposes. |
| Concentration | Typically found in low, trace amounts under normal physiological conditions. A significant surge has been documented during cardiac arrest in rats. | Varies dramatically based on the plant source, extraction method, and preparation (e.g., ayahuasca vs. smoked freebase). |
| Metabolism | Rapidly degraded by the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO). | When consumed orally, requires a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) to prevent metabolism and produce psychoactive effects. |
| Route of Action | Thought to act as a non-classical neurotransmitter within the central nervous system, particularly involving intracellular serotonin receptors. | Varies based on ingestion method (smoked, inhaled, brewed). Effects differ significantly with route and presence of MAOIs. |
The Pharmacology of DMT and Therapeutic Potential
From a pharmacological perspective, the actions of DMT are primarily mediated through the serotonin system, particularly as an agonist at the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction is what causes its powerful hallucinogenic effects. However, recent discoveries have revealed that DMT is also an endogenous ligand for the sigma-1 receptor, a chaperone protein involved in regulating immune response, neuroplasticity, and cellular stress.
This interaction with the sigma-1 receptor has opened new avenues for research into the therapeutic potential of DMT beyond its psychedelic properties. For instance, studies have explored its effects on neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons) in the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for learning and memory. In animal models of stroke, DMT has been shown to reduce harmful effects, protect the blood-brain barrier, and decrease inflammation. Such findings suggest that DMT could be a valuable tool for treating various psychiatric and neurological disorders, including depression and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent clinical trials are investigating the use of inhaled DMT for rapid and sustained relief in treatment-resistant depression, demonstrating significant symptom reduction within 24 hours of treatment.
Conclusion
While the simple name for natural DMT is N,N-dimethyltryptamine, its identity extends far beyond a single chemical designation. It is a compound woven into the fabric of natural history, from its use in ancient Amazonian rituals to its endogenous presence within the human body. The scientific exploration of DMT is revealing its complex pharmacological mechanisms, including interactions with both serotonin and sigma-1 receptors. This broader understanding is transforming its perception from merely a recreational or ceremonial psychedelic to a promising therapeutic agent with potential applications in neuroplasticity, neuroprotection, and mental health. Continued research is vital to fully unlock the biological secrets and clinical potential of this remarkable molecule. Further details on the compound's biosynthesis and effects can be found in a comprehensive review by PMC, "Neuropharmacology of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine".
