Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
DMT, the active hallucinogenic compound in ayahuasca, is a naturally occurring psychedelic chemical that is found at low concentrations in many plants and animals. In concentrated doses, DMT acts as a fast-acting powerful hallucinogenic with effects dissipating after 15-20 minutes. When ingested as an ayahuasca brew, the effects take longer to appear and can last for a few hours. Although DMT produces one of the most powerful psychedelic experiences in its genre and is traditionally used in ayahuasca for treating mood disorders and addiction, the therapeutic value of DMT on its own has not been reviewed to the extent of other psychedelics. However, as research into psychedelics continues to expand, it’s expected that more studies will be looking at DMT specifically for its therapeutic efficacy.