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Meditation, psychedelics, and brain connectivity: A randomized controlled resting-state fMRI study of N,N-dimethyltryptamine and harmine in a meditation retreat

Summary

Researchers studied how meditation combined with a psychedelic compound called DMT affects the brain. They scanned 40 experienced meditators before and after a 3-day retreat, with some receiving the psychedelic and others a placebo. While meditation alone reduced connections between different brain networks, the psychedelic enhanced certain connections, suggesting the two practices may complement each other in promoting mental health.

Background

Both meditation and psychedelics are studied for therapeutic potential in mental health, with emerging evidence suggesting possible synergies between mindfulness practice and psychedelics. Recent research has primarily focused on psilocybin, leaving gaps in understanding other psychedelic compounds like DMT and harmine.

Objective

This study investigates the distinct and combined effects of mindfulness practice and an ayahuasca-inspired formulation containing N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and harmine on brain functional connectivity using resting-state fMRI in experienced meditation practitioners during a retreat.

Results

The DMT-harmine group showed increased functional connectivity within the visual network and between visual and salience networks, contrasting with the placebo group which exhibited decreased connectivity between multiple networks. No evidence of prolonged cortical gradient disruption was observed, suggesting return to typical brain organization shortly after the experience.

Conclusion

Meditation alone and psychedelic-augmented meditation engage distinct neural mechanisms, with meditation reducing between-network connectivity while DMT-harmine increased within- and between-network connectivity. These findings support further exploration of synergistic effects between meditation and psychedelics in clinical contexts for mental health improvement.
  • Published in:Imaging Neuroscience (Cambridge),
  • Study Type:Randomized Controlled Trial,
  • Source: PMID: 41035622
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