Incilius alvarius cell-based synthesis of 5-MeO-DMT

This preprint (2022) describes the synthesis of 5-MeO-DMT from a cell line from tissue obtained from the parotoid gland (saliva) of the Sonoran Desert toad (Incilius alvarius). The samples were successfully tested for 5-MeO-DMT but may also contain other ‘entourage’ compounds. Such methods help to relieve ecological pressures due to the increasing demand for 5-MeO-DMT.

Abstract

“There is growing interest in the therapeutic potential of 5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) for psychiatric disorders. While 5-MeO-DMT can be chemically synthesized, the parotoid gland secretions of Incilius alvarius (also known as the Colorado River or Sonoran Desert toad) contain 5-MeO-DMT and other molecules including bufotenine, bufagenins, bufotoxins, and indole alkylamines that may have individual clinical utility or act as entourage molecules to enhance the activity of 5-MeO-DMT. Incilius alvarius is currently under severe ecological pressure due to demand for natural 5-MeO-DMT and habitat loss. We established a cell line from tissue obtained by wedge biopsy from the parotoid gland of Incilius alvarius and confirmed the cell-based synthesis of 5-MeO-DMT by LC-MS/MS. Cell-based biosynthesis of Incilius alvarius parotoid gland secretions is a potentially cruelty-free and sustainable source of naturally derived 5-MeO-DMT for research and drug development.”

Authors: Leonard Lerer, Erik Reynolds, Jeet Varia, Karin Blakolmer & Bernard Lerer

Summary of Incilius alvarius cell-based synthesis of 5-MeO-DMT

5-MeO-DMT can be chemically synthesized, but the parotoid gland secretions of Incilius alvarius (Colorado River toad) contain 5-MeO-DMT and other molecules that may have individual clinical utility or act as entourage molecules to enhance the activity of 5-MeO-DMT.

5-MeO-DMT, the primary psychoactive component of the parotoid gland secretion of the Sonoran Desert or Colorado River toad, is O-demethylated by polymorphic cytochrome P450 2D6 to an active metabolite, bufotenine. 5-MeO-DMT induces synaptic, structural, and functional changes in the prefrontal cortex.