DMT Shows Promise in Stroke Recovery Breakthrough

Quick Smiles:

• Hungarian researchers found that DMT protected the blood-brain barrier after stroke in mice.
• The psychoactive compound reduced inflammation and improved brain cell function in studies.
• These results may pave the way for innovative stroke therapies in the future.

Researchers in Hungary have identified a new role for the naturally occurring molecule DMT, showing its potential to protect the brain from stroke damage in laboratory studies.

The team, headed by Professor Mária Deli, Professor Zoltán Nagy, and Dr. Sándor Nardai, discovered that DMT treatment restored both structure and function of the blood-brain barrier in mice affected by stroke.

Further results demonstrated improved astrocyte performance, less inflammation, and notably reduced stroke-related injury in animal and cell models.

“The therapeutic options currently available for stroke are very limited. The dual action of DMT, protecting the blood-brain barrier while reducing brain inflammation, offers a novel, complex approach that could complement existing treatments,” says Judit Vigh, co-first author of the work.

Conventional stroke treatments don’t always lead to full recovery, so adding DMT could give patients additional hope.

Although clinical trials are underway abroad, further research is needed before DMT moves into mainstream medicine.

Current laws in much of Europe keep DMT under strict control, but some countries like the Netherlands and Portugal allow its regulated use as part of traditional medicines.

With hundreds of thousands affected by stroke every year, any improvement in recovery options can make a widespread positive impact.

Stay tuned for more inspiring breakthroughs in neuroscience and health innovation.

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