While exogenous DMT is currently being researched for therapeutic applications such as anxiety and severe depression, as well as in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease, further research is vital for understanding the true function of endogenous DMT.
The most recent review of research on the topic has looked at its role beyond psychedelic properties, aiming to understand the compound’s biological and physiological functions and provide a closer look at DMT’s therapeutic potential.
Highlighting the common finding that endogenous DMT is found in other regions of the brain beyond the pineal gland, the review found that neurons have the ability to make DMT.
The review shows that in recent studies, the compound has been found to be in the brain continuously, similarly to neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, potentially playing a role in neuromodulation, neuroprotection and regulating inflammation rather than playing a psychedelic role.
They write: “DMT shows remarkable neurochemical complexity, by its engagement with serotonergic, adrenergic, and σ1 receptors, along with its role in neuroplasticity and potential neuromodulatory and neuroprotective functions.
“This is evident as a possible endogenous neurotransmitter and as a therapeutic tool. Of particular note is DMT’s interaction with the σ1R, suggesting its role in cellular homeostasis and stress response.”
They suggest that this function of DMT may offer protection against cellular and tissue damage – “emphasizing its therapeutic potential.”
Adding to this, the authors further highlight how studies show increased endogenous DMT production in high physiological stress situations, such as people climbing at high altitude, further implicating its role as a neuroprotectant.
Low oxygen environments that can create conditions such as hypoxia can reduce MAO activity in the brain – a chemical that breaks down compounds such as DMT – which may allow DMT to accumulate in the brain. However, currently, this idea has not been proven in humans.
These environments are known to cause mild hallucinations or dream-like states.
While the authors highlight that it is not proven, they theorise this could be why low oxygen environments cause altered states of perception; they suggest it could play a role, however, there is no direct evidence and no human studies.
Despite this, the review shows that the role of endogenous DMT in producing hallucinations, dreams, near-death experiences, or being produced during death is unproven, and much more research is needed before we can know whether DMT has a function in producing these altered states.
Stephanie Price | Community Blogger at Chemical Collective
Stephanie is one of our community bloggers here at Chemical Collective. If you’re interested in joining our blogging team and getting paid to write about subjects you’re passionate about, please reach out to Sam via email at samwoolfe@gmail.com
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