N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a naturally occurring psychoactive compound belonging to the tryptamine family of molecules. This chemical structure is closely related to serotonin and is synthesized by numerous plant species, and found in trace amounts within animals, including humans. As a potent, short-acting compound, DMT is the subject of scientific curiosity. This exploration focuses on the specific plant genera that produce and concentrate this molecule.
Understanding DMT’s Role in Plants
The production of DMT within a plant is a process of secondary metabolism, meaning the compound is not directly involved in the organism’s growth or reproduction. Biosynthesis begins with the amino acid tryptophan, which is first decarboxylated to form tryptamine, a simple indole alkaloid. The enzyme indolethylamine N-methyltransferase (INMT) then catalyzes a double methylation, adding two methyl groups to the nitrogen atom to yield N,N-Dimethyltryptamine.
Scientific hypotheses regarding the function of DMT in plants primarily revolve around chemical ecology and defense. Many alkaloids are bitter or neurotoxic to herbivores, suggesting DMT serves as a deterrent to insects and grazing animals. The compound’s presence may discourage predation, providing the plant with a survival advantage. Another theory suggests that the production of tryptamine alkaloids may serve as a mechanism for nitrogen storage, allowing the plant to manage and recycle this nutrient efficiently.
Key Botanical Sources of DMT
The most potent botanical sources of DMT span several distinct genera and are often concentrated in specific plant parts. The genus Mimosa contains some of the highest-yield sources, particularly the root bark of Mimosa hostilis (syn. M. tenuiflora). This perennial tree, native to northeastern Brazil, concentrates the alkaloid in the inner layer of the root bark, which can contain a DMT concentration of up to 1.7% by dry weight.
The Acacia genus, which includes over 1,000 species, is another prominent source. DMT is often found in the leaves, stems, and bark of various Australian and Asian species, such as Acacia confusa and Acacia acuminata. The concentration and specific alkaloid profile can fluctuate significantly among species, but the phyllodes or bark are often the most concentrated sources.
A third major source is Psychotria viridis, a shrub commonly known as Chacruna, whose leaves contain notable amounts of DMT. Native to the Amazon rainforest, this plant is widely recognized as a component in the traditional Ayahuasca brew. The DMT in its leaves is made orally active when combined with an inhibitor from another plant source, which prevents the body’s natural enzymes from rapidly breaking down the compound. Related species, such as Diplopterys cabrerana, also contain substantial DMT concentrations in their leaves, sometimes reaching up to one percent of the dry weight.
Less Common DMT-Containing Genera
DMT is present across a wide array of botanical genera, illustrating the molecule’s broad distribution. The Virola genus, which comprises trees found in Central and South America, concentrates tryptamines in the bark and resin. Indigenous communities have historically prepared snuffs from the resin of Virola theiodora and other species, though the primary alkaloid in some preparations is the structurally similar 5-MeO-DMT.
Various grass species within the genus Phalaris also produce DMT and related tryptamines, though concentrations are highly variable and generally lower than in the key sources. Species like Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass) and Phalaris aquatica are known to contain DMT in amounts up to 0.1% of the dry weight.
The Desmodium genus, a member of the pea family (Fabaceae), includes species such as Desmodium gangeticum. This plant contains DMT in its roots and leaves, although at a lower concentration, around 0.057% in some reports.
Legal and Safety Context
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine is controlled under the federal Controlled Substances Act in the United States. DMT is classified as a Schedule I substance, a category designated for compounds with a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use in treatment. This classification strictly prohibits the manufacture, distribution, or possession of the isolated chemical.
The legal status of the DMT-containing plants themselves is more nuanced. While the raw botanical material may not be explicitly scheduled, any process intended to extract the controlled substance DMT from the plant is illegal. Consequently, the possession of extracted DMT, regardless of its natural origin, remains a violation of federal law. Researchers must obtain special approval from both the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Food and Drug Administration to study the compound.