A single inhalation of vapor from dried toad secretion containing 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) in a naturalistic setting is related to sustained enhancement of satisfaction with life, mindfulness-related capacities, and a decrement of psychopathological symptoms

TLDR

5‑Methoxy‑N,N‑dimethyltryptamine (5‑MeO‑DMT) is a psychedelic found in Bufo alvarius toad secretion, and its vapor inhalation has become popular as a naturalistic treatment for mental health or spiritual exploration, yet human effects remain poorly understood. The study aimed to evaluate the short‑term and four‑week effects of a single inhalation of 5‑MeO‑DMT vapor on affect, cognition, and whether these changes correlate with the psychedelic experience. Forty‑two participants inhaled vapor from dried toad secretion at multiple European sites, with assessments conducted at baseline, within 24 h, and at 4 weeks post‑intake. The inhalation produced immediate and sustained increases in life satisfaction, convergent thinking, and mindfulness, along with reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress, with stronger effects linked to ego dissolution or oceanic boundlessness, supporting further exploration of 5‑MeO‑DMT as a therapeutic agent.

Abstract

5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (hereinafter referred to as 5-MeO-DMT) is a psychedelic substance found in the secretion from the parotoid glands of the Bufo alvarius toad. Inhalation of vapor from toad secretion containing 5-MeO-DMT has become popular in naturalistic settings as a treatment of mental health problems or as a means for spiritual exploration. However, knowledge of the effects of 5-MeO-DMT in humans is limited.The first objective of this study was to assess sub-acute and long-term effects of inhaling vapor from dried toad secretion containing 5-MeO-DMT on affect and cognition. The second objective was to assess whether any changes were associated with the psychedelic experience.Assessments at baseline, within 24 h and 4 weeks following intake, were made in 42 individuals who inhaled vapor from dried toad secretion at several European locations.Relative to baseline, ratings of satisfaction with life and convergent thinking significantly increased right after intake and were maintained at follow-up 4 weeks later. Ratings of mindfulness also increased over time and reached statistical significance at 4 weeks. Ratings of depression, anxiety, and stress decreased after the session, and reached significance at 4 weeks. Participants that experienced high levels of ego dissolution or oceanic boundlessness during the session displayed higher ratings of satisfaction with life and lower ratings of depression and stress.A single inhalation of vapor from dried toad secretion containing 5-MeO-DMT produces sub-acute and long-term changes in affect and cognition in volunteers. These results warrant exploratory research into therapeutic applications of 5-MeO-DMT.