[work in progress] Natural MAO Inhibitors (synth'ed as the first antidepressant)

[Chip (OP)]

source: https://thesunlightexperiment.com/blog/2017/2/14/natural-mao-inhibitors

MAO stands for monoamine oxidase (but) are also known to be LETHAL when taken with

It's an enzyme that breaks down certain neurotransmitters in the brain like dopamine, serotonin, and dimethyltryptamine. All of which are crucial to brain function in various ways.

There are actually 2 types of MAO in the body, and although similar, have different preferences for the monoamines they break down (deaminate). MAO-A, and MAO-B.

Inhibiting this enzyme slows the breakdown of neurotransmitters, allowing their numbers to increase.

This can offer many benefits to both cognitive function, as well as psychological disorders like depression and anxiety.

mao-inhibitor-post-cover.jpg
Monoamine Neurotransmitters Include:
Dopamine
Serotonin
Adrenalin
Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
Melatonin
Noradrenalin
B-phenylethylamine (PEA)
Benzylamine
MAO And Neurological Disease
An increase in monoamine oxidase has been shown to have a correlation with age-related cognitive disorders [2].

Increased levels of MAO-B, for example, has been closely associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, some forms of Parkinson’s disease and normal aging [3], while increased MAO-A has been associated closely with depression, anxiety and psychiatric disorders [4].

The reason MAO tends to increase with age is not yet well understood.

Why We Need New MAO Inhibitors
The use of MAO inhibitors has been found to alleviate many of the symptoms of neurological disorders and is becoming a more valuable method of prevention and treatment as time goes on [6].

The downside to MAO inhibition is the adverse side effects that often come along with their long term use [7].

This has lead us to a point where it is clear that we need new, safer MOA inhibitors.

Fortunately, in recent years, there have been several plant-based MAO inhibitors that have so far shown low side effects, despite therapeutic doses of MAO inhibition.

monoamine-oxidase-inhibitors
MAO Inhibition And Nootropics
There is a growing trend of MAO inhibitors (generally plant-based)finding there way into nootropic formulas. The idea is that with a reduction in MAO, neurotransmitters and other monoamines found in the nootropic formulas will have a more prolonged effect.

Additionally, over more extended periods, the MAO intake will improve the overall effect of the nootropic on monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain.

A common mechanism for nootropics is to improve the production of various neurotransmitters. Therefore, inhibition of the enzymes that destroy them is likely to have a synergistic action on the overall effect.

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 Bioprospecting Plant-Based MAO Inhibitors
Bioprospecting is the act of seeking out new medicines and commercial compounds from plant and animal species.

Here we highlight a few plants that have been found to have marked MAO inhibiting properties.

Botanical MAO Inhibitors:
licorice root.jpg
1. Amur Cork Tree (Phellodendron Amurense)
MAO-B Inhibition Very High (IC50 <.07 mg/ml)

Amur cork tree is one of the 50 fundamental Chinese herbs. It's commonly used for it's sedative, muscle relaxant, antiarrhythmic, positive inotropic, hypotensive, and antibacterial actions.

2. Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root)
MAO-B Inhibition Very High (IC50 <.07 mg/ml)

Gan Cao is a type of licorice (same genus), and is used in much the same way. Its traditional uses involves female disorders, digestive disorders, ulcers, and heart arryhtmias. One of the most interesting sue of this plant, is as a "harmonizer" of other medicinal plants. In Chinese traditional medicine this is one of the main herbs used in formulas for its ability to improve the outcomes of other plants.

3. Psoralea Fruit Babchi (Psoralea Corylifolia)
MAO-B Inhibition Very High (IC50 <.07 mg/ml)

Psorlea fruit is a lesser known Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicinal plant species. It was used in the past for conditions like vitiligo and other skin related conditions. Recently it has received a lot of attention for its MAO inhibiting properties, and is suggested to be a norepinephrine, re-uptake inhibitor. 

4. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)
MAO-B Inhibition Very High (IC50 <0.07 mg/ml)

Licorice and Gan Cao are very similar and have virtually the same uses. Licorice was often added to Chinese formulas for its ability to imporve the actions of the other herbs in the formula.

5. Bakuchi Seed (Cyamopsis Psoralioides)
MAO-B Inhibition Very High (IC50 <0.07 mg/ml)

The seed oil of Bakuchi is mainly used for treating skin and muscle damage. It's an old Ayurvedic herb with a long history of use and a long list of traditional uses in the body.