A single inhalation of vapor from dried toad secretion containing 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) in a naturalistic setting is related to sustained enhancement of satisfaction with life, mindfulness-related capacities, and a decrement of psychopathological symptoms.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Prospective single-arm observational study without a control group.
PubMed 30982127 · doi:10.1007/s00213-019-05236-w
What was done
A prospective observational study assessed 42 individuals who inhaled vapor from dried Bufo alvarius toad secretion containing 5-MeO-DMT across naturalistic settings in Europe. Participants completed assessments of affect, cognition, and psychiatric symptoms at baseline, within 24 hours post-intake, and at a 4-week follow-up. Acute subjective experiences (ego dissolution and oceanic boundlessness) were also assessed for correlations with outcome changes.
What was found
The abstract reports statistical significance and directions without numerical values or effect sizes. Relative to baseline: - Ratings of satisfaction with life and convergent thinking significantly increased right after intake and remained significant at the 4-week follow-up. - Ratings of mindfulness increased over time and reached statistical significance at 4 weeks. - Ratings of depression, anxiety, and stress decreased after the session and reached statistical significance at 4 weeks. - Participants with higher acute ratings of ego dissolution or oceanic boundlessness showed higher satisfaction with life and lower depression and stress ratings.
Why it matters
This study provides observational evidence that a single naturalistic exposure to 5-MeO-DMT is linked to sub-acute and month-long improvements in mood, cognition, and psychiatric symptoms, supporting further controlled clinical research.
Limits
The study lacked a control or placebo group, relying entirely on self-selected volunteers in naturalistic settings, which introduces high risk of expectancy and selection bias. The sample size was modest (n = 42). The dose and composition of 5-MeO-DMT in the natural toad secretion were not standardized or measured, and the abstract provides no exact numerical data, effect sizes, or confidence intervals.
Cited by
- supports Natural 5-MeO-DMT is secreted by the glands of the Sonoran Desert toad.