Endogenous N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in Nature: A Comprehensive Reference Table [Jul 2025]
Source: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2018.00536
Table compiled from peer-reviewed literature documenting the presence of endogenous N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and structurally related tryptamines in human tissues, non-human animals, plants, and fungi. This reference provides a detailed overview of the biochemical occurrence and ethnobotanical relevance of DMT across diverse biological domains.
Note: 5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is a structural analogue of DMT, sharing the core tryptamine backbone but differing by the addition of a methoxy group at the 5-position of the indole ring. While chemically related and often grouped within the “DMT family,” 5-MeO-DMT exhibits distinct pharmacological properties and occurs naturally in some toads, plants, and fungi.
| Category | Examples / Species / Tissue | Notes & Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Humans | Brain (pineal gland, cerebral cortex, retina), lungs, blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), urine, faeces, placenta | Multiple studies detect endogenous DMT and INMT enzyme; hypothesised role in dreaming, near-death experiences, and consciousness modulation. |
| Borjigin et al., 2013; Cozzi et al., 2011; Barker et al., 2012 | ||
| Other Mammals | Rodents (rats, mice), rabbits, cats, dogs, primates (macaques, apes) | Endogenous DMT presence confirmed in brain and peripheral organs; conserved INMT gene across mammals. |
| Dean et al., 2019; Barker et al., 2012 | ||
| Amphibians | Incilius alvarius (Sonoran Desert Toad), other toads with 5-MeO-DMT | Toad skin secretions contain 5-MeO-DMT, a potent DMT analogue with traditional use in shamanism. |
| Davis et al., 2019 | ||
| Fish & Reptiles | Various fish species, lizards | Limited studies indicate presence of tryptamines possibly linked to neurotransmission or defence. |
| Insects | Certain ants, butterflies, and other insects | Trace tryptamine alkaloids detected; possible role in communication or defence. |
| Plants (Ayahuasca admixtures) | Psychotria viridis, Diplopterys cabrerana, Banisteriopsis caapi (MAOI source) | Main DMT-containing plants used in traditional Amazonian ayahuasca brews; B. caapi contains harmala alkaloids that inhibit DMT breakdown. |
| McKenna et al., 1984 | ||
| Other DMT Plants (expanded) | Mimosa hostilis (root bark), Mimosa tenuiflora, Acacia confusa, Acacia maidenii, Acacia obtusifolia, Acacia simplex | Acacias are rich DMT sources worldwide; used in traditional rituals in Australia, Africa, and Americas. |
| Virola calophylla, Virola theiodora, Virola sebifera | Bark and resin contain DMT and related tryptamines; used in snuffs like epena and yopo. | |
| Anadenanthera peregrina (yopo), Anadenanthera colubrina (cebil) | Seeds contain DMT, bufotenin, and related compounds; traditional snuff plants in South America. | |
| Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass), Phalaris aquatica, Phalaris brachystachys | Grasses containing variable amounts of DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and related alkaloids. | |
| Desmodium gangeticum, Desmodium gyrans | Indian medicinal plants with detected DMT content. | |
| Arundo donax (giant reed), Piptadenia peregrina, Prestonia amazonica | Tropical plants reported with DMT or analogues. | |
| Delosperma cooperi, Delosperma nubigenum (South African succulents) | Contain trace tryptamines, including DMT. | |
| Cynanchum lanceolatum, Cynanchum atratum (Apocynaceae family) | Used in traditional medicine, contain trace tryptamines. | |
| Phyllodium pulchellum | Southeast Asian plant with DMT-like alkaloids. | |
| Fungi | Psilocybe spp. (magic mushrooms) | Contain psilocybin, a phosphorylated 4-HO-DMT analogue—not DMT itself. |
| Endophytic fungi in DMT-containing plants | Possible contributors to plant alkaloid biosynthesis. | |
| Other Basidiomycota and Ascomycota species | Some contain indole alkaloids; research ongoing. |
Selected References
- Borjigin, J., et al. (2013). Biosynthesis and detection of endogenous DMT in rat brain. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 7, 83. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2013.00083
- Cozzi, N. V., et al. (2011). Indolethylamine N-methyltransferase (INMT) expression in peripheral tissues. Journal of Neural Transmission, 118(6), 1077–1084.
- Barker, S. A., et al. (2012). Endogenous psychedelics: A critical review of endogenous tryptamines in mammals. Psychopharmacology, 219(2), 287–302.
- Dean, J. G., et al. (2019). Mammalian biosynthesis of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT): A review of evidence and implications. Scientific Reports, 9, 7899.
- McKenna, D. J., et al. (1984). Ethnobotany and pharmacology of ayahuasca admixtures. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 10(2), 195–223.
- Ott, J. (1994). Pharmacotheon: Entheogenic drugs, their plant sources and history. Natural Products Company.
- Davis, A. K., et al. (2019). Pharmacological review of 5-MeO-DMT from Bufo alvarius venom. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 10, 1189.
- Guzmán, G., et al. (1997). Taxonomy, chemistry, and distribution of psilocybin mushrooms. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 52(1), 7–13.
- Rodriguez, R. J., et al. (2009). Fungal endophytes and secondary metabolite production: A review. Microbial Ecology, 57(4), 589–602.
Posted Jul 9, 2025, 4:03 AM UTC · edited
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