Toxicology and Analysis of Psychoactive Tryptamines

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Toxicology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Limited global data hinders understanding of tryptamines.
• Tryptamines are often omitted from standard toxicology screens, potentially underestimating overdose contributions.
• The prevalence of novel tryptamines is increasing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current literature and global databases on emerging tryptamines.
• To describe their toxicology, chemical structures, and overdose cases.
• To inform clinicians and laboratorians about this public health concern.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of published data.
• Analysis of worldwide databases.
• Identification and quantification of tryptamines and metabolites using analytical methods, primarily LC-MS/MS.

Main Results:

• Tryptamines are 5-HT2A receptor agonists causing altered reality perception.
• Prevalent tryptamines include 5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DiPT), 5-methoxy-N,N-diallyltryptamine (5-MeO-DALT), and dimethyltryptamine (DMT).
• 22 new analytical methods for tryptamine detection were developed between 2015 and 2020.

Conclusions:

• Tryptamine morbidity is significant.
• Clinicians and laboratorians require updated information on tryptamine toxicology and detection.
• Enhanced awareness and analytical capabilities are crucial for public health.