November 8, 2010

DMT - the hallucinogenic drug in our body


N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a naturally occurring hallucinogenic drug of the tryptamine family. This drug is found not only in many plants (delosperma flower, acacia family, mimosa trees – we have tracked DMT in more than 100 plants)  but also in trace amounts in the human body, where its natural function remains undetermined. Structurally, it is analogous to the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) and other hallucinogenic tryptamines such as 5-MeO-DMT, bufotenin (5-OH-DMT), and psilocin (4-HO-DMT). DMT is created in small amounts by the human body during normal metabolism by the enzyme tryptamine-N-methyltransferase. Many cultures, indigenous and modern, ingest DMT as a psychedelic, in either extracted or synthesized forms.When refined, DMT is a clear to white, crystalline solid. However, DMT found on the illicit market is commonly impure and may appear yellow, orange, or salmon in color, unless special care has been taken to remove these impurities. Such impurities result from degradation or originate from plant matter from which the DMT may have been extracted.

DMT is a derivative of tryptamine with two additional methyl groups at the amine nitrogen atom. DMT was first synthesized by Canadian chemist Richard Manske in 1931. Natural DMT was first extracted from the plant roots of Mimosa hostilis in 1946 by Brazilian ethnobotanist and chemist Gonçalves de Lima who named it Nigerine. It  has a retelavely simple biosynthesis which resembles the one of serotonin, which is responsible for the pleasant mood(s)  we experience.

The psychotropic effects of DMT were first studied scientifically by the Hungarian chemist and psychologist Dr. Stephen Szára who performed research with volunteers in the mid-1950s. DMT can produce powerful entheogenic experiences including intense visuals, euphoria, even true hallucinations (perceived extensions of reality)- it was used by Shamans for spiritual experiences.

In the 1990’s , Dr. Rick Strassman, while conducting DMT research, advanced the theory that a massive release of DMT from the pineal gland prior to death or near death was the cause of the near death experience (NDE) phenomenon. Several of his test subjects reported NDE-like audio or visual hallucinations. His explanation for this was the possible lack of panic involved in the clinical setting and possible dosage differences between those administered and those encountered in actual NDE cases. Several subjects also reported contact with 'other beings', alien like, insectoid or reptilian in nature, in highly advanced technological environments where the subjects were 'carried', 'probed', 'tested', 'manipulated', 'dismembered', 'taught', 'loved' and even 'raped' by these 'beings' (one could note the strong similarities of these bodily tests/invasions in other psychedelic experiences throughout time, outlined in Graham Hancock's "Supernatural"). Strassman has speculated that DMT is made in the pineal gland, largely because the necessary constituents needed to make DMT are found in the pineal gland in substantially greater concentrations than any other part of the body.


Modern society and science can not possibly refuse the power of DMT, although not thoroughly explained. Many countries have classified  Dimethyltryptamine as a “SCHEDULE I” drug under the 1971 U.N. Convention of Psychotropic Substances, meaning that the use of DMT is supposed to be resticted to scientific research and medical use. Natural meterials containing DMT, including ayahuasca – a tea brewed from plant leaves rich in DMT for religious – shamanic purposes – are explicitely not regulated under the 1971 Psychotropic Convention.


Dimethyltryptamine is a chemical compound connected to the pineal gland (third eye or crown chakra) and it is believed that it is produced by it. However, research has shown that in modern society the pineal gland is almost disabled by the age of twelve due to chemicals that we consume through food, fluoride through water and extensive hours infront of  television in early ages when the brain is rapidly growing.
This substance our body produces, has a lot more to reveal about our brain’s currently limited ability and perception. Don’t forget that we are only using a fraction of it… 

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