Psychedelic drug DMT could help stroke victims recover by rewiring their brains faster, according the first clinical trial of its kind.

It is hoped the substance, also known as the ‘the spirit molecule’, could even be given to patients as soon as they’re in the ambulance, minimising the damage and maximising their recovery.

Algernon Pharmaceuticals, who set out the plan for their study this week, say participants will be given a microdose, which won’t make them ‘trip’, but will still help the neurons in their brain make new connections.

If the trial proves successful and gets regulatory approval, it could open up a whole new world of research for people with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and many other conditions affecting the brain.

Among the study’s global luminaries is Professor David Nutt, of Imperial College London’s Centre for Psychedelic Research, which has looked into potential of psilocybin (magic mushrooms) to treat depression.

Algernon, based in Vancouver, Canada, are the world’s first company to try using DMT (dimethyltryptamine) for strokes, and if they get promising results, they hope to be fast-tracked by regulators in the US.