That's the name of the journal from the publishers of Science, 1 Apr 2026, Vol 12, Issue 14:
Complete biosynthesis of psychedelic tryptamines from three kingdoms in plants
Abstract
Psychedelic indolethylamines with therapeutic potential are naturally produced in plants, fungi, and animals. Here, we elucidated the complete N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) biosynthetic pathway in hallucinogenic plant species traditionally used in shamanic rituals for spiritual healing. Leveraging the similarities in their chemical structures, we reconstructed in one plant assay the full biosynthetic pathways of five renowned natural psychedelics; psilocin and psilocybin found in mushrooms, DMT from plants, and bufotenin and 5-methoxy-DMT secreted by the Sonoran Desert toad. We further engineered halogenated analogs of these molecules, which do not naturally occur in plants and exhibit prospective therapeutic potential for psychiatric conditions. Blending catalytic functions across the tree of life, coupled with metabolic engineering guided by rational protein design of mutant enzymes, enabled substantially more efficient in planta production of the indolethylamine components. This work establishes a versatile platform for concurrent biosynthesis and diversification of psychoactive indolethylamines, paving the way for their production in plants.INTRODUCTION
For thousands of years, psychedelic substances have been used by indigenous cultures as entheogens in rituals intended to induce altered states of consciousness for spiritual and therapeutic purposes. Psilocybin-containing mushrooms were central to ancient Aztec ceremonies (1), while N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), the primary psychoactive component of ayahuasca, has long been used in traditional Amazonian rituals. This ceremonial brew combines Psychotria viridis (a natural source of DMT) with Banisteriopsis caapi, which provides β-carboline monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors that render DMT orally active (1, 2). Similarly, 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), found in the secretion of the Sonoran Desert toad (Incilius alvarius) and in several plant species, is thought to have been used ceremonially by indigenous groups in northern Mexico (3). 5-MeO-DMT has been described as the most potent DMT analog, being about 4- to 10-fold more potent than DMT in humans and is known to induce psychedelic experiences that are distinct from those of DMT (4). Knowledge of the traditional use of these molecules has fueled contemporary therapeutic interest in psychedelics as treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions....
....MUCH MORE
This is either the trippiest paper you are likely to come across this month or an elaborate April Fools Day joke.
