A hallucinogenic drug given to stroke victims as they are rushed to hospital could minimise the damage inflicted on brain cells, scientists say. Strokes happen when the blood supply to the vital organ is cut off by a clot or burst vessel, risking death in some crucial nerve cells by starving them of oxygen. But researchers argue their medication - called DMT or dimethyltryptamine - could ward off the worst effects by sparking the growth of new neurons, fast-tracking the healing process. It will be tested in first-of-their-kind trials in the US, where the psychedelic drug will be administered to patients in the back of ambulances. It will be given in doses too small to trigger hallucinations - but scientists say they should still confer benefits. Tests could start as soon as next month, if they get the go-ahead from regulators. Previous studies on DMT have shown it improved motor-function and triggered the formation of new brain cells in rats whose organ was damaged. More than 113,000 people suffer a stroke every year in the UK, and 795,000 face the condition annually in the US. DMT is found in Ayahuasca - a 'psychedelic brew' made from vines and leaves in the Amazon jungle. Canadian company Algernon is taking the experimental treatment to Phase 1 trials - it could take years before the drug gets approved for human use. Chief executive Christopher Moreau hopes the drug will help the brain heal. 'Since we're dealing with stroke patients, we will be using the sub-hallucinogenic dose, which in pre-clinical studies has still shown to improve neuroplasticity,' he told Metro.co.uk. 'It will help the brain heal even though patients aren't having the psychedelic experience, and we really don't want that if your patient has just had a stroke.' He added: 'The sooner you can start to treat post-injury the better. 'DMT may not benefit hemorrhagic (stroke victims), we don't know, but we're hoping it won't cause them any problems because then we don't have to wait for the CT scan, we can treat in the ambulance.' He said within hours of a stroke, studies show the brain starts trying to rewire itself, which he hopes this drug can accelerate. There is 'little' immediate treatment available for stroke victims because doctors need to know which type someone is suffering from. In an ischemic stroke a blood clot has blocked a vessel in the brain, requiring treatment with a blood thinner. But in a haemorrhagic stroke a blood vessel has burst, which needs more invasive treatment. Giving someone the wrong medication for the type of stroke they are suffering could be fatal, said Mr Moreau. If the Phase 1 trials are successful Algernon plans to push US regulators to approve their treatment for use more widely. Its stage 2/3 trials will involve following up stroke victims over the short and long term, to establish the benefits of the treatment. Source
