This secondary analysis of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=31) demonstrated that an ayahuasca-inspired DMT/harmine formulation significantly enhanced mindfulness and compassion (both self-compassion and compassion for others) one day post-treatment, with more pronounced effects in high-sensitivity participants.
Abstract of Enhancing mindfulness and compassion through an ayahuasca-inspired formulation containing N,N-DMT and harmine
“Background: Mindfulness and compassion are therapeutically relevant and can be increased through different forms of meditation practices. However, meditation practice needs time and commitment. These resources are often limited in patients with mood disorders. Therefore, efficacious remedies that increase mindfulness and compassion could provide therapeutic options. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychedelic experiences induced by an ayahuasca-inspired N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT)/harmine formulation on mindfulness and compassion in healthy subjects.
Methods: This study applies a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled within-subjects design in a laboratory setting with 31 healthy participants. Each subject received a formulation comprising DMT + harmine, harmine + placebo, and placebo only on three different study days. Primary outcomes were mindfulness (MINDSENS) and compassion (SOCS).
Results: A significant effect of the drug on mindfulness (p < 0.05, F = 3.41), self-compassion (SOCS-S; p < 0.01, F = 7.53), and compassion with others (SOCS-O; p < 0.05, F = 3.37) 1 day post-treatment was found. Significant differences between the high- and low-sensitivity groups were found for mindfulness (p < 0.05, F = 6.54), self-compassion (p < 0.05, F = 4.21), and compassion with others (p < 0.05, F = 4.42).
Conclusions: In line with previous studies on traditional botanical ayahuasca, our findings support the notion that the DMT/harmine formulation might have therapeutic potential through its ability to acutely enhance mindfulness and compassion. Continuing studies in therapeutic settings are needed to further elucidate the mechanisms of action of ayahuasca-inspired formulations.“
Authors: Helena D. Aicher, Ilhui A. Wicki, Daniel Meling, Michael J. Mueller, Dario A. Dornbierer & Milan Scheidegger
Summary of Enhancing mindfulness and compassion through an ayahuasca-inspired formulation containing N,N-DMT and harmine
The introduction of the study sets the stage by exploring the therapeutic potential of enhancing mindfulness and compassion in mental health treatment. Traditional approaches, such as meditation practices found in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), acceptance and commitment therapy, and compassion-focused therapy (CFT), have shown success in fostering psychological well-being. However, these practices require significant time, dedication, and motivation, which may not be readily available to individuals suffering from mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Therefore, the authors propose that alternative, rapid-acting methods—such as psychedelic-assisted therapy—may serve as viable solutions to bridge this gap.
Recent research has shown that psychedelic substances can lead to meaningful improvements in mental health, especially among individuals with treatment-resistant mood disorders. The traditional Amazonian brew ayahuasca, known for its combination of the psychedelic compound DMT and the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO-I) harmine, has demonstrated rapid antidepressant effects in clinical settings. In addition to its pharmacological action, the ceremonial and communal context in which ayahuasca is often consumed may contribute to increased emotional empathy and overall psychological health. However, this study isolates the pharmacological elements—specifically DMT and harmine—administered in a controlled, non-ceremonial setting to better understand their standalone effects on mindfulness and compassion in healthy individuals.
The authors describe the rationale behind selecting DMT and harmine (pharmahuasca). DMT, a serotonin receptor agonist structurally related to the neurotransmitter serotonin and the psychedelic psilocybin, is naturally found in both plant species and mammals. When consumed orally, DMT is rapidly broken down by MAO-A enzymes unless paired with a MAO-I such as harmine, which is derived from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine in ayahuasca. Harmine not only inhibits MAO-A, allowing DMT to become active, but also has mild serotonergic effects on its own. Importantly, both substances have been implicated in generating altered states of consciousness that resemble meditative states—states believed to increase “decentering” (a psychological distancing from one’s thoughts), a key therapeutic target in mindfulness-based interventions.
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https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811251344689
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Cite this paper (APA)
Aicher, H. D., Wicki, I. A., Meling, D., Mueller, M. J., Dornbierer, D. A., & Scheidegger, M. (2025). Enhancing mindfulness and compassion through an ayahuasca-inspired formulation containing N, N-DMT and harmine: A randomized controlled trial in healthy subjects. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 02698811251344689.
Study details
Topics studied
Healthy Subjects
Study characteristics
Original Re-analysis
Placebo-Controlled
Double-Blind
Within-Subject
Randomized
Re-analysis
Participants
31
Humans
Compound Details
The psychedelics given at which dose and how many times
DMT 100 mg | 1xLinked Research Papers
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