N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found widely across the plant, animal, and fungal kingdoms, including within the human body.
Diverse Natural Sources of DMT
DMT's presence is quite widespread, making it one of the most common indole hallucinogens. It is a key active component in various traditional entheogenic preparations, particularly those used by Indigenous cultures in the Amazon basin.
Common Grass Sources in the Western US
In the western United States, two notable sources of DMT are certain invasive grasses:
- Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea)
- Harding Grass (Phalaris aquatica)
These grasses contain low levels of DMT and other alkaloids. However, they also contain gramine, which is toxic and difficult to separate from the beneficial compounds.
Other Notable Botanical Sources
Many other plant species are known for their significant DMT content, often used in traditional ceremonial contexts or for their ethnobotanical importance. Some of the most well-known include:
Plant Name | Primary Location/Common Use | Notes |
---|---|---|
Psychotria viridis (Chacruna) | Amazon Basin | A primary ingredient in Ayahuasca, an Amazonian psychoactive brew. |
Mimosa tenuiflora (Mimosa Hostilis, Jurema Preta) | Northeastern Brazil, Central America, Mexico | The root bark is highly valued for its high DMT content and has been traditionally used in jurema ceremonies. |
Diplopterys cabrerana (Chaliponga, Chagropanga) | Amazon Basin | Another common admixture plant in Ayahuasca preparations, known for its high concentration of DMT. |
Acacia Species | Australia, Africa, Americas (various species) | Many species, such as Acacia confusa, Acacia maidenii, and Acacia acuminata, are known to contain DMT in their bark, leaves, or roots. |
Anadenanthera colubrina (Cebil, Vilca) | South America | Seeds have been traditionally ground into a snuff and used by indigenous peoples for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. |
Virola Species | Amazon Basin | Various species, like Virola theiodora and Virola surinamensis, have bark that contains DMT and other tryptamines, traditionally used in snuff preparations. |
Endogenous Production in Mammals
Beyond the plant kingdom, DMT is also produced endogenously within the bodies of humans and other mammals. It is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan and has been found in various tissues, including the brain, lungs, and pineal gland. While its precise physiological function in mammals is still an active area of research, its widespread presence suggests an important biological role.
Other Biological Occurrences
DMT can also be found in trace amounts in certain fungi and even in some marine organisms, highlighting its pervasive natural existence across diverse biological systems.