Tryptamine is a monoamine alkaloid that can be synthesized by decarboxylation of the amino acid tryptophan. Notably, tryptamine can be found in fungi, plants, Amphibia, animals, and microbes.
Tryptamine has an indole ring structure and a fused double ring that is composed of a benzene ring and a pyrrole ring, linked to an amino group by 2-carbon side chain. The indole ring is the vital nucleus of many complex natural products that have significance in drug discovery as well as some synthetic and non-synthetic drugs that are based on tryptamine skeleton.
The chemical’s distinct structure is an approximation to the neurotransmitter serotonin as well-known drugs and hallucinogens. 

Tryptamine’s significance as psychedelic drugs, neuromodulator, and neurotransmitter is well understood due to its presence in mammalian brain in small amounts.

Tryptamine is an indole alkaloid and intermediate in the biosynthesis of serotonin and the phytohormone melatonin in plants. It increases the levels of the terpenoid indole alkaloids ajmalicine, strictosidine, and catharanthine in cultures of C. roseus. Tryptamine is also a product of tryptophan metabolism in mammals.

Application

Analogs of tryptamine that are typically produced by its synthetic modification play a significant role in individuals due to the introduction of functionalities that are biologically active in its nucleus that may cause changes in the mental and physical status of the human brain.

Substitutions on the indole ring at nitrogen and C-2 of its side chain produce numerous neuroactive compounds ranging from anti-migraine drugs to toxic substances, such as rizatriptan, sumatriptan, and zolmitriptan. 

A small amount of tryptamine is required due to its fatalities and intoxication for several reasons.

Pharmacology