Chemically, it is a derivative of serotonin in which a methyl group resides at its alkyl amine.

N-Methylserotonin is found in plants, animals, and fungi.

These include the plants, Actaea racemosa (black cohosh)[1] and Zanthoxylum piperitum,[2] the Green and Golden Bell Frog, Litoria aurea,[3] and Amanita mushrooms.

[4] The compound binds to several serotonin receptors, including the 5-HT7 and 5-HT1A receptors, with high affinity (IC50 ≤ 2 nM) and selectivity, and displays agonist activity; besides its direct interaction with the serotonin receptors, N-methylserotonin also acts as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

[1] N-Methylserotonin is not scheduled at the federal level in the United States,[5] but could be considered an analog (of bufotenin), in which case, sales or possession intended for human consumption could be prosecuted under the Federal Analog Act.