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Other names | 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine; 5-Methoxy-N,N-DMT; O-Methylbufotenin; Mebufotenin; Methylbufotenin; BPL-002; BPL-003; LSR-1019 |
Routes of administration | Inhalation, insufflation, sublingual, intramuscular, intravenous, oral (with an MAOI ) [1] [2] |
Drug class | Serotonergic psychedelic (hallucinogen) |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | Oral: inactive (without an MAOI ) or weak [1] [2] |
Metabolism | Oxidative deamination (MAO ), O-demethylation (CYP2D6) [2] [1] [4] |
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Elimination half-life | Minutes [4] (12–19 min in mice, 6–16 min in rats) [2] [5] |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.012.558 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C13H18N2O |
Molar mass | 218.300 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
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5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine), also known as O-methylbufotenin or mebufotenin (INN ), is a naturally occurring psychedelic of the tryptamine family. [5] [1] [4] [2] It is found in a wide variety of plant species, and is also secreted by the glands of at least one toad species, the Colorado River toad. [5] It may occur naturally in humans as well. [5] Like its close relatives dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and bufotenin (5-HO-DMT), it has been used as an entheogen in South America. [5] [6] Slang terms include five-methoxy, the power, bufo, and toad venom. [7]
The drug acts as a non-selective serotonin receptor agonist, including of the serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors among others. [1] [4] [8] However, 5-MeO-DMT differs from most other serotonergic psychedelics in having 100- to 1,000-fold higher affinity for the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor over the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. [1] [4] [8] In relation to this, 5-MeO-DMT has been described as an "atypical" psychedelic and as producing subjective effects notably distinct from those of DMT and other psychedelics, for instance having a relative lack of visual effects. [5] [1] [4] Like DMT, 5-MeO-DMT has a very rapid onset of action and short duration. [1] [4] However, 5-MeO-DMT is 4- to 10-fold more potent than DMT in humans. [2]
5-MeO-DMT was first synthesized in 1936 by Toshio Hoshino [9] (ja), professor of Tokyo Institute of Technology, and was first isolated from a natural source in 1959. [5] It is a controlled substance in some countries, for instance the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. [5] The drug is used recreationally and several deaths have been reported in association with its use. [5] [10] 5-MeO-DMT is being developed for potential use in medicine in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression. [5] [1] [4]
5-MeO-DMT, also known as 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, is a substituted tryptamine derivative. It is the 5-methoxylated derivative of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), the N,N-dimethylated derivative of 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MT; mexamine), and the O-methylated derivative of bufotenin (5-HO-DMT).
It has a relatively high experimental log P of 3.30. [2] [11]
Analogues of 5-MeO-DMT include 4-MeO-DMT, 5-MeO-AMT, 5-MeO-DET, 5-MeO-DPT, 5-MeO-DIPT, 5-MeO-MiPT, 5-EtO-DMT, and 5-MeO-MET. Other analogues include dimemebfe and EMDT.
When smoked, the duration of the effects of 5-MeO-DMT can be as little as ten minutes; when insufflated, up to two hours, although the peak effects are usually in the range of 10–40 minutes. [12] Effects vary and can range from radical perspective shifting and perception of new insights, euphoria, immersive experiences, dissociation and non-responsiveness, sensual/erotic enhancement, to dysphoria, fear, terror, panic, and ego death. [13] [ better source needed ]
The subjective effects of 5-MeO-DMT are described as distinct from those of DMT and other psychedelics. [4] [5] Whereas DMT is described as producing more "information-rich" experiences, with "rich sensory phenomenology", visuals, and experiences of encountering entities and visiting other worlds, 5-MeO-DMT is described as having a relative lack of visual effects, producing a sense of "nothingness", and causing experiences that are said to be "content-free" and sometimes known as "whiteouts". [4] [5] These experiences have been described as "beyond ordinary human comprehension", with a subjective impression of a void or amnesia of the experience. [4] [5] In spite of this however, some have described the experiences as orgasmic, ecstatic, and blissful, whereas others have described them as terror or "information overwhelm". [4] As with DMT and other psychedelics, the experiences with 5-MeO-DMT are often described as overwhelming, profound, spiritual, religious, and/or mystical. [4] [5]
The experiences of 5-MeO-DMT have been related to the experience of ecstatic seizures. [4]
Preliminary clinical findings suggest that 5-MeO-DMT might have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. [14] [15]
The Church of the Tree of Life, founded in California in 1971 by John Mann but now defunct, declared the use of 5-MeO-DMT to be a sacrament. From approximately 1971 to the late 1980s, 5-MeO-DMT was discreetly available to its members. [16] [17] Between 1970 and 1990, smoking of 5-MeO-DMT on parsley was probably one of the two most common forms of ingestion in the United States. [17] [ unreliable source? ]
Target | Affinity (Ki, nM) |
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5-HT1A | 1.9–28 (Ki) 3.92–1,060 (EC50 ) 68–98% (Emax ) |
5-HT1B | 14–351 (Ki) 1.53 (EC50) 78% (Emax) |
5-HT1D | 2.3–20 (Ki) 37 (EC50) 98% (Emax) |
5-HT1E | 360–528 (Ki) 92–160 (EC50) 119% (Emax) |
5-HT1F | 37 (Ki) 14 (EC50) 93% (Emax) |
5-HT2A | 15–2,011 (Ki) 1.80–3.87 (EC50) 82–101% (Emax) |
5-HT2B | 36–3,884 (Ki) 5.87 (EC50) 73% (Emax) |
5-HT2C | 42–538 (Ki) 31 (EC50) 84% (Emax) |
5-HT3 | >10,000 |
5-HT4 | >10,000 (EC50) |
5-HT5A | 277–505 (Ki) 110 (EC50) 107% (Emax) |
5-HT6 | 6.5–78 (Ki) 0.24 (EC50) 125% (Emax) |
5-HT7 | 3.9–30 (Ki) 65.7 (EC50) 107% (Emax) |
MT1 | 210 (Ki) 257 (EC50) |
MT2 | 16 (Ki) 112 (EC50) |
α1A | 4,373–>10,000 |
α1B | 2,188–>10,000 |
α1D | ND |
α2A | 938–1,890 |
α2B | 430–2,640 |
α2C | 206–508 |
β1 | >10,000 |
β2 | 2,679–>10,000 |
β3 | >10,000 |
D1 | 80–>10,000 |
D2 | 3,562–>10,000 |
D3 | 498–>10,000 |
D4 | 3,120–>10,000 |
D5 | >10,000 |
H1 | 7,580 |
H2–H4 | >10,000 |
M1–M5 | >10,000 |
σ1 | >10,000 |
σ2 | >10,000 |
SERT | 2,032–3,603 (Ki) 2,184 (IC50) >10,000 (EC50) |
NET | 2,859–>10,000 (Ki) >10,000 (IC50) >10,000 (EC50) |
DAT | >10,000 (Ki) >10,000 (IC50) >10,000 (EC50) |
Notes: The smaller the value, the more avidly the drug binds to the site. Proteins are mostly but not exclusively human. Refs: [5] [8] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] |
5-MeO-DMT is a methoxylated derivative of dimethyltryptamine (DMT). While most common psychedelics are believed to primarily elicit psychological effects through agonism of serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, 5-MeO-DMT shows 1,000-fold greater affinity for 5-HT1A over 5-HT2A; [26] In line with its affinity for 5-HT1A receptors, 5-MeO-DMT is extremely potent at suppressing the firing of dorsal raphe 5-HT neurons. [27] Further, its activity in rats was attenuated with the 5-HT1A selective antagonist WAY-100635 while 5-HT2A selective antagonist volinanserin failed to demonstrate any change. [28] Additional mechanisms of action such as inhibition of monoamine reuptake may be involved. [29] A 2019 European study with 42 volunteers showed that a single inhalation produced sustained enhancement of satisfaction with life, and easing of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). [30] A 2018 study demonstrated that a single dose of 5-MeO-DMT induced neurogenesis in mice. [31]
Similarly to other serotonergic psychedelics, 5-MeO-DMT is a non-selective serotonin receptor agonist, including of the serotonin 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C receptors, among others. [1] [4] [23] [22] It is 4- to 10-fold more potent as a hallucinogen than DMT in humans. [2] In contrast to most serotonergic psychedelics however, it has been said that it is unclear that the hallucinogenic effects of 5-MeO-DMT are principally mediated by activation of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. [4] In any case, 5-MeO-DMT does still activate the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor and does still produce psychedelic effects. [4] It has been proposed that 5-MeO-DMT be considered an "atypical" psychedelic. [4] This relates to the fact that 5-MeO-DMT has 100- to 1,000-fold selectivity for the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor over the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor and that the actions of 5-MeO-DMT appear to be primarily mediated by serotonin 5-HT1A receptor activation. [1] [4] [2] [8] For example, the potencies of drugs substituting for 5-MeO-DMT in drug discrimination assays is well-correlated with their serotonin 5-HT1A receptor affinities, and the discriminative stimulus effects of 5-MeO-DMT are attenuated by serotonin 5-HT1A receptor antagonists. [2] However, there is partial generalization of 5-MeO-DMT to the selective serotonin 5-HT2 receptor agonist (–)-DOM in animals. [2] In accordance with the preceding findings, 5-MeO-DMT is reported to produce notably distinct subjective effects compared DMT and other psychedelics in humans. [4]
Although 5-MeO-DMT shows dramatically higher affinity for the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor than for the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, the situation appears to be very different in terms of its actual activational potencies at these receptors. [32] [22] [19] Its EC50 values have been found to be 1.80 to 3.87 nM at the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor and 3.92 to 1,060 nM at the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor. [32] [22] [19] [25] For comparison, the EC50 values of DMT were found to be 38.3 nM at the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor and >10,000 nM at the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor in one of the same studies. [32] [22] Hence, 5-MeO-DMT appears to be similarly potent or as much as 200-fold more potent as an agonist of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor than of the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor. [32] [22] [19] In addition, 5-MeO-DMT is 10-fold more potent than DMT as an agonist of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. [32] [22]
Besides the serotonin receptors, 5-MeO-DMT is an agonist of the melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors. [21] [25] [24] Unlike DMT, 5-MeO-DMT is not a ligand or agonist of the sigma receptors. [5] [25] [24] In contrast to certain other tryptamines, 5-MeO-DMT is inactive as a monoamine releasing agent, including of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. [22] However, it is a weak serotonin reuptake inhibitor, with an IC50 value of 2,184 nM. [22] Conversely, it is inactive as a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (IC50 = >10,000 nM). [22]
Similarly to DMT, but in contrast to most other psychedelics, like LSD and psilocybin, [33] [34] there appears to be very little development of tolerance with 5-MeO-DMT. [5] [22] [1] [4] In fact, there may even be sensitization to the effects of 5-MeO-DMT. [4] The lack of tolerance development with 5-MeO-DMT may be due to biased agonism of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. [5] More specifically, 5-MeO-DMT activates the Gq signaling pathway of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor with much less potency in recruiting β-arrestin2. [5] [22] Activation of β-arrestin2 is linked to receptor downregulation and tachyphylaxis. [34] [35] [36]
5-MeO-DMT is lipophilic and is thought to easily cross the blood–brain barrier. [2] Accordingly, 5-MeO-DMT readily accumulates in the brain in animals with levels higher than in blood. [2] This is in notable contrast to bufotenin (5-HO-DMT or N,N-dimethylserotonin) and serotonin (5-HT), which are hydrophilic and peripherally selective. [2] [37] [11]
Bufotenin is an active metabolite of 5-MeO-DMT, formed by O-demethylation by cytochrome P450 CYP2D6. [2] Bufotenin notably has much higher affinity for the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor than 5-MeO-DMT itself. [2] However, bufotenin does not seem to be extensively produced from 5-MeO-DMT in the brain. [2] In addition, peripherally formed bufotenin may not be able to exert significant central effects due to its limited ability to cross into the brain. [2] Hence, the involvement of bufotenin in the psychoactive effects of 5-MeO-DMT is uncertain. [2]
The metabolism of 5-MeO-DMT can be dramatically reduced and its levels markedly augmented and prolonged by monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). [2] In addition, MAOIs allow 5-MeO-DMT to become orally active in humans. [2] Combination of 5-MeO-DMT with MAOIs has sometimes resulted in serotonin syndrome and death in humans. [2]
In addition to naturally-occurring sources, 5-MeO-DMT can be produced synthetically. [38] [39]
Family | Animals |
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Bufonidae | Colorado River toad (Incilius alvarius) [45] [30] [42] |
The Colorado River toad is a noted animal source of 5-MeO-DMT. First described in 1983 by Ken Nelson (writing under the pseudonym of Albert Most), smoking the parotoid secretions of the animal produces a powerful and short-lived psychedelic experience. [46] The smoking of I. alvarius secretions should not be confused with the urban legend of toad licking. [47] Since 1983, the animal has since became a popular source of 5-MeO-DMT for recreational or spiritual purposes. [48] Unfortunately, this increased demand and use of the toads as a source of 5-MeO-DMT has put strain on their populations. [49] Concerned with the ecological impacts of the growing use of I. alvarius secretions as a source of 5-MeO-DMT, Ken Nelson would later advocate for the use of synthetic 5-MeO-DMT and conservation of the Colorado River Toad. [50]
Family | Fungi |
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Amanitaceae | Amanita citrina , [44] Amanita porphyria [44] |
As a structural analog of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 5-MeO-DMT is a Schedule 9 prohibited substance under the Poisons Standard. [51]
5-MeO-DMT is legal for personal use and possession in Canada, [52] though sale, distribution, and other activities involving the substance are illegal under Canadian federal law.
As of October 2015, 5-MeO-DMT is a controlled substance in China. [53]
As of 2001 5-MeO-DMT is listed as a controlled substance. Attachement I BtMG. BGBl. I 2001, 1180 - 1186;
The Swedish government classified 5-MeO-DMT, listed as 5-metoxi-N,N-dimetyltryptamin (5-MeO-DMT) in their regulation SFS 2004:696, as "health hazard" under the Act on the Prohibition of Certain Goods Dangerous to Health in October 2004, making it illegal to sell or possess. [54]
5-MeO-DMT has been controlled in Turkey since December 2013. [55]
5-MeO-DMT was made a Schedule I controlled substance in January 2011. [56]
5-MeO-DMT is being developed and evaluated for potential therapeutic effects in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). [57] Biopharmaceutical company GH Research has sponsored a completed phase 1 study in healthy volunteers [58] and phase 1/2 study in TRD patients where 87.5% of patients with TRD were brought into remission on day 7 in the phase 2 part of the study. [59] GH Research is currently planning a phase 2b study in TRD patients and have received approval for studies in patients with bipolar II disorder and a current depressive episode and patients with postpartum depression. [60]
Beckley Psytech in collaboration with King's College London is evaluating the safety and tolerability of intranasal 5-MeO-DMT in healthy subjects, in a phase 1 study. [61] [62] Beckley Psytech CEO Cosmo Feilding-Mellen sees a potential in the short-acting nature of 5-MeO-DMT compared to psilocybin: "Requiring one or two therapists to sit in a room with a single patient for the entire duration of an MDMA or psilocybin experience, which is essentially a whole working day, is probably going to be very resource-intensive and expensive. There is already a global shortage of psychotherapists, and this poses a potential bottleneck to patient access in the future." [63]