DMT and THH both impact serotonin levels in the brain.

Ayahuasca and Serotonin

DMT has a molecular attraction to the intracellular sigma-1 receptor (S1R). The S1R is correlated with the endoplasmic reticulum, increasing neural plasticity through dendritic spine formation, and regulating protein activities.

DMT and Non-serotonergic Molecular Targets - S1R

When Ayahuasca is brewed, the beta-carboline harmala alkaloids prevent the liver from breaking down the DMT, allowing the DMT to circulate through the nervous system causing pharmacological effects. 
(Image shows the chemical structures in Ayahuasca)

Syracuse University

The vine containsc (MAOIs) such as beta-carboline harmala alkaloids; alkaloids harmine, tetrahydroharmine (THH), and small amounts of harmaline. 

Banisteriopsis caapi vine Chemical Makeup

The bush leaves contain the psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT).

Psychotria viridis Chemical Makeup

DMT, N,N-dimethyltryptamine is an endogenous hallucinogen that was synthesized in 1931 by Canadian chemist Richard Manske.

DMT 

Domínguez-clavé, E., Soler, J., Elices, M., Pascual, J. C., Álvarez, E., De la fuente revenga, M., Friedlander, P., Feilding, A., & Riba, J. (2016). Ayahuasca: Pharmacology, neuroscience and therapeutic potential. Brain Research Bulletin, 126, 89-101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.03.002


Ayahuasca: Pharmacology, neuroscience and therapeutic potential

DMT is very structurally similar to the endogenous neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT). DMT, like other psychedelics has a liking for various serotonin receptors such as 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A, where it acts as an agonist and causes a decrease in serotonergic strength and increases amounts of neural firing through both the excitatory postsynaptic potentials and currents.

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