A psychedelic compound found in the Amazonian hallucinogenic brew ayahuasca quickly curbed clinical depression sufferers’ symptoms, according to research on how drugs used socially could treat mental health disorders.
Patients who took a single dose of dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a naturally occurring ingredient in plants used in the drink concocted by indigenous South Americans, showed continued improvements over two weeks, the scientists found.
DMT, once known as the “businessman’s trip” because of its swift action and short duration, would still need to clear several big hurdles to be a candidate for therapeutic use. The trial underscores renewed interest in medical applications of substances taken recreationally for their perception-altering qualities.