researchers discover citrus genus plants contain tryptamine and derivatives

[mgrady3]

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf401448q

he occurrence and distribution in Citrus genus plants of N-methylated derivatives of tryptamine and their 5-hydroxylated forms are reported. Tryptamine, N-methyltryptamine, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, N,N,N-trimethyltryptamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin), 5-hydroxy-N-methyltryptamine, 5-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (bufotenine), and 5-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyltryptamine (bufotenidine) were quantitated by LC-ESI-MS/MS. Leaves of all citrus plants examined contained N,N,N-trimethyltryptamine, a compound that we first discovered in the bergamot plant. Interestingly, we also found out that all plants examined contained 5-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine and 5-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyltryptamine, compounds never described so far in the Citrus genus. As N,N,N-trimethyltryptamine and 5-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyltryptamine possess nicotine-like activity by exerting their action on acetylcholine receptors, it is conceivable that both represent the arrival point of a biosynthetic pathway aimed to provide Citrus plants with chemical defense against aggressors. This hypothesis is supported by our finding that leaves and seeds, which are more frequently attacked by biotic agents, are the parts of the plant where the highest levels of those compounds were found.

Seems the whole gamut of tryptamine and its various methlyated derivatives exist in many citrus plants' leaves

Fruits and leaves of bergamot were harvested in
October and December, 2011 in the “Pellaro” area near Reggio
Calabria (Italy). Leaves of lemon, orange, mandarin, chinotto, and
citron were harvested in December, 2011 in the SSEA Arboretum of
Reggio Calabria

Looks to be mostly concentrated in the seeds and leaves as opposed to the fruit of the plants
Seems like N,N-DMT is a relatively low concentration derivative compared to the concentrations of tryptophan for example Citron has the highest concentration of tryptophan in its leaves at 31-92 mg/kg whereas N,N,DMT comes in at only 0.1 - 0.2 mg/kg

 

[spacejunk]

Is this the same study discussed in this thread?

Shame the concentrations aren't higher...it could be like a modern day (non-urban myth) "smokin' banana peels".
Pretty interesting nonetheless.