Bufotenin (5-HO-DMT)
Bufotenin (5-hydroxy-DMT) is a naturally occurring tryptamine found in some toads (Bufo species), plants and mushrooms. It was studied in early human experiments that reported strong cardiovascular and physical effects; its psychedelic status has long been debated.
01 Overview
Bufotenin (5-HO-DMT, N,N-dimethyl-serotonin) occurs in Anadenanthera seeds, some fungi and the parotid secretions of toads. It was among the first tryptamines injected into human volunteers in the 1950s by Fabing and others, who documented marked cardiovascular and facial-cyanosis effects that raised safety concerns.
Because it is highly polar it crosses the blood-brain barrier poorly, and whether it produces genuine psychedelic effects at tolerable doses remains disputed. It is best regarded as a poorly characterised and potentially dangerous compound.
02 Mechanism
Serotonin receptor agonist (5-HT2A among others); poor CNS penetration limits central psychedelic activity while peripheral serotonergic effects dominate.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historical study range | 2–16 mg | IV | 1950s human experiments; strong cardiovascular effects observed. |
| Common (reported) | 5–40 mg | Insufflated | Anecdotal (e.g., yopo snuffs contain bufotenin). |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altered perceptionSome perceptual changes reported; psychedelic potency disputed due to poor CNS penetration. | variable | Anecdotal | |
| Intense physical experienceMarked bodily effects documented in early studies, sometimes dominating over mental effects. | strong | Observational |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea and vomitingStrong gut effects, especially via insufflated snuffs. | Moderate | Common | Anecdotal | |
| Severe cardiovascular effectsSharp rises in blood pressure, facial cyanosis (purple discolouration) and chest tightness reported in early human trials. | Severe | Common | Observational |