Incilius alvarius Cell-Based Synthesis of 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine.

A cell line derived from the parotoid gland of the endangered Sonoran Desert toad (Incilius alvarius) can biosynthesize 5-MeO-DMT, a psychedelic compound with therapeutic potential for psychiatric disorders. The toad's secretions also contain other molecules such as bufotenine, bufagenins, bufotoxins, and indole alkylamines, which may have individual clinical utility or act as entourage molecules. The species faces ecological pressure from demand for natural 5-MeO-DMT and habitat loss. Cell-based biosynthesis offers a potentially cruelty-free and sustainable source of naturally derived 5-MeO-DMT for research and drug development.

Study at a glance

Abstract

There is growing interest in the therapeutic potential of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) for psychiatric disorders. Although 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. I. 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 of the I. alvarius parotoid gland and confirmed the cell-based biosynthesis of 5-MeO-DMT by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Cell-based biosynthesis of I. alvarius parotoid gland secretions is a potentially cruelty-free and sustainable source of naturally derived 5-MeO-DMT for research and drug development.