Powerful psychedelic endogenous to mammalian brain

The powerful psychedelic compound DMT has been demonstrated to be present and synthesized in mammalian brains. A recent joint research project between Jimo Borjigin (University of Michigan; MI, USA) and Rick Strassman (University of New Mexico; NM, USA) discovered that the powerful psychedelic compound N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is present and synthesized in the brains of rats. The study, published in Scientific Reports, also suggests synthesis of DMT could occur in the human brain. Ayahuasca is a brewed substance that has traditionally been used by the indigenous people of South America as part of ancient religious ceremonies. The drink, made from the...