Scientists in Hungary have discovered that a natural compound called DMT may help protect the brain after a stroke.
This compound, known for its psychedelic effects, is found in many plants and animals, including humans.
It is now being tested in clinical trials to see if it can help stroke patients recover brain function.
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked, causing brain cells to die. This can lead to problems with movement, speech, and thinking. Current treatments for stroke are limited, and many people do not fully recover. That’s why researchers are looking for new ways to protect the brain and speed up healing.
In a new study published in the journal *Science Advances*, researchers from the HUN-REN BRC Institute of Biophysics and Semmelweis University in Hungary found that DMT reduced brain damage in rats that had strokes. The animals had smaller areas of dead brain tissue (called infarcts) and less swelling (edema) in the brain after receiving DMT.
The scientists also ran tests using cells in the lab and found similar results. DMT helped repair the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from harmful substances. It also helped special brain cells called astrocytes work better. These cells support and protect neurons in the brain.
Another important finding was that DMT reduced inflammation. It blocked the release of harmful molecules called cytokines, which are produced by both brain and immune cells during inflammation.
DMT also calmed down overactive brain immune cells known as microglia. These effects were linked to special proteins in the brain called Sigma-1 receptors.
Dr. Judit Vigh, one of the study’s lead researchers, explained that DMT works in two ways: it protects the blood-brain barrier and reduces inflammation. This double action could make it a powerful new tool for treating stroke.
While DMT is known for its use in spiritual rituals and is a powerful hallucinogen, researchers are now discovering its medical potential. The compound’s ability to protect brain cells without long-lasting psychedelic effects—especially when used in small doses—makes it a strong candidate for stroke therapy.
More research is needed, and clinical trials are underway to test DMT in human stroke patients. Scientists are also studying its long-term effects to make sure it is safe.
This discovery shows that nature may hold the answers to many of our health problems. If successful, DMT could become a new option for people recovering from stroke, helping them heal faster and more completely than current treatments allow.
The study is published in Science Advances.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
