DMT reduces stroke damage in animal and cell studies
Researchers in Hungary have found that DMT, a natural psychoactive compound, significantly mitigates brain damage from stroke in animal models and cell cultures. The molecule restores the blood-brain barrier and curbs inflammation, potentially complementing current treatments. These discoveries, published in Science Advances, highlight DMT's therapeutic promise amid limited stroke options.
Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a psychoactive molecule present in plants, mammals, and the human brain, has shown potential to alleviate stroke's harmful effects. Scientists from the HUN-REN BRC Institute of Biophysics in Szeged and the Semmelweis University Heart and Vascular Centre in Budapest conducted experiments revealing DMT's benefits in rat models and cell cultures.
In the rat stroke model, DMT significantly reduced infarct volume and edema formation, as explained by co-first author Marcell László: "We found that DMT significantly reduced infarct volume and edema formation in a rat stroke model." The compound restored the structure and function of the damaged blood-brain barrier and enhanced astroglial cell performance. It also inhibited inflammatory cytokines in brain endothelial cells and peripheral immune cells, while decreasing microglia activation via Sigma-1 receptors.
Co-lead author Mária Deli from HUN-REN BRC emphasized nature's role: "It is amazing how we can always turn to Nature to find ingenious solutions for health problems." Co-first author Judit Vigh noted the innovation: "The therapeutic options currently available for stroke are very limited. The dual action of DMT, protecting the blood-brain barrier while reducing brain inflammation, offers a novel, complex approach that could complement existing treatments."
DMT is currently in clinical trials for post-stroke brain recovery. While existing therapies often fall short of full restoration, these findings suggest DMT could enhance outcomes when combined with standard methods. The study supports ongoing development of DMT-based therapies to address stroke's limitations.