9-Methyl-β-carboline (9-Me-BC) is a compound that can help increase levels of dopamine, increases the formation of dopamine, has anti-inflammatory effects in the CNS, and has protective and regenerative/restorative for dopaminergic neurons/pathways.
9-Me-BC has many potential therapeutic applications, particularly in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (A and B) which is an enzyme involved in the breakdown of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin.
Due to this prevention of breakdown of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, it increases dopamine levels in the brain. 9-Me-BC also increase tyrosine hydroxylase which is an enzyme that coverts tyrosine into the dopamine precursor L-DOPA, creating more dopamine in the brain. It also has protective and regenerative/restorative potential for dopaminergic neurons. It increases dopamine synthesis (formation) which is very different to other stimulants that can actually deplete dopamine. It can increase BDNF and other growth factors which increase working memory, cognitive flexibility, motivation, and alertness.
9-Me-BC improves energy output as it enhances the mitochondrial respiratory chain. It is very complex but it makes the complex I (NADH dehydrogenase) pathway function better by increasing it, restoring its function, and protecting it from damage. I don’t fully understand all the science behind it, if you want to know how it improves energy, you can look further into those areas.
9-Me-BC has anti-inflammatory effects, especially in the central nervous system (CNS). This another reason 9-Me-BC is being studied as a treatment option for those with Parkinson’s disease as inflammatory cytokines have been shown to be elevated in Parkinson’s disease patients. It may also have benefits in diseases like Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis as inflammation plays a key role in those disease states as well.
9-Me-BC can reverse stimulant tolerance and reverse sensitivity to dopaminergics (substances related to dopamine). It has also been used to help people recover from drug abuse.
There are reports of 9-Me-BC increasing libido. 20mg for 30 days was reported to increase sexual intercourse from 1-2 times per week, to wanting to have intercourse daily.
So, you could take 9-Me-BC to protect the brain, increase/restore dopaminergic pathways, increase motivation, mood, and to enhance attention, focus, and cognitive function.
Dosages of 10-30mg per day taken of a morning are common.
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