A psychedelic surprise: DMT helps the brain heal after stroke

A Natural Compound Under Investigation

DMT is also produced in the human brain and is currently being tested in clinical trials for its potential to help restore brain function following a stroke. Until now, its precise biological mechanism was not fully known. "It is amazing how we can always turn to Nature to find ingenious solutions for health problems" says co-lead author Mária Deli from the HUN-REN BRC.

Protecting the Blood-Brain Barrier

Co-first author Marcell László explained, "We found that DMT significantly reduced infarct volume and edema formation in a rat stroke model." The research showed that DMT treatment repaired the structure and function of the blood-brain barrier and improved the performance of astroglial cells in both animal and cell culture experiments. It also reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines in brain endothelial and immune cells and decreased the activation of microglia through Sigma-1 receptors.

A Potential Addition to Stroke Therapy

"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," noted Judit Vigh, co-first author of the study.

Because current stroke treatments often fail to achieve complete recovery, incorporating DMT into therapy could provide a promising new avenue -- especially when combined with existing medical strategies. The collaborative research from Szeged and Budapest, Hungary, highlights the potential for developing a more comprehensive treatment approach. Ongoing clinical trials continue to examine how DMT works and its long-term safety in human patients.