9-Me-BC
9-methyl-beta-carboline · Dopaminergic (research chemical)
What it is
A beta-carboline sold on claims of being a "dopamine regenerator" — cell studies showed increased dopamine neuron growth and tyrosine-hydroxylase expression, which the nootropic market translated into cognitive-enhancement capsules.
What human evidence shows
Cell culture and rodent data only, from a small research literature. No human trials of any kind. The mechanistic story is genuinely interesting neuroscience and genuinely untested medicine.
Risks
9-Me-BC itself inhibited MAO-A and MAO-B in vitro — so interactions with common drugs and supplements (stimulants, SSRIs, tyramine) are pharmacologically plausible, with human clinical relevance unknown. The beta-carboline family also includes known neurotoxins, which raises the stakes of "no human data." Photosensitivity is a theoretical concern from the compound class's light-reactive chemistry, not an established human effect.
Legal status
US: unscheduled, unapproved research chemical.
Evidence base
early literature
Studied, but no human trial report found. A real literature that is preclinical as far as these counts can see.
- phase 3/4
- 0
- randomised
- 0
- reviews
- 0
- human trials
- 0
Counts are of published papers, not distinct trials, and measure how much research exists — not whether this works or is safe for you.
Research (12)
- Stimulation, protection and regeneration of dopaminergic neurons by 9-methyl-β-carboline: a new anti-Parkinson drug?Expert Rev Neurother · 2011
- 9-Methyl-β-carboline inhibits monoamine oxidase activity and stimulates the expression of neurotrophic factors by astrocytesJ Neural Transm (Vienna) · 2020
- Correction to: 9-Methyl-β-carboline inhibits monoamine oxidase activity and stimulates the expression of neurotrophic factors by astrocytesJ Neural Transm (Vienna) · 2022
- 9-Methyl-beta-carboline has restorative effects in an animal model of Parkinson's diseasePharmacol Rep · 2010
- Mechanisms of DNA damage by photoexcited 9-methyl-β-carbolinesOrg Biomol Chem · 2013
- 9-Methyl-β-carboline-induced cognitive enhancement is associated with elevated hippocampal dopamine levels and dendritic and synaptic proliferationJ Neurochem · 2012
- 9-Methyl-beta-carboline up-regulates the appearance of differentiated dopaminergic neurones in primary mesencephalic cultureNeurochem Int · 2008
- Photophysical and Photochemical Properties of Naturally Occurring normelinonine F and Melinonine F Alkaloids and Structurally Related N(2)- and/or N(9)-methyl-β-carboline DerivativesPhotochem Photobiol · 2018
- The exceptional properties of 9-methyl-beta-carboline: stimulation, protection and regeneration of dopaminergic neurons coupled with anti-inflammatory effectsJ Neurochem · 2010
- Good guys from a shady familyJ Neurochem · 2012
- New agents promote neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease modelsCNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets · 2012
- Inhibition of the bioactivation of the neurotoxin MPTP by antioxidants, redox agents and monoamine oxidase inhibitorsFood Chem Toxicol · 2011
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