9-methyl-beta-carboline

9-methyl-beta-carboline (9-me-bc) is a heterocyclic amine and a derivative of the beta-carboline family, primarily investigated for its neuroprotective and neurorestorative properties. It is distinguished by its ability to stimulate the growth of dopaminergic neurons and increase the expression of key neurotrophic factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). Mechanistically, it enhances the activity of mitochondrial complex I (NADH dehydrogenase) and acts as a reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO). In animal models of Parkinson's disease, 9-me-bc has demonstrated the capacity to reverse dopamine depletion and restore tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons in the substantia nigra. While it is popular in the nootropics community as a cognitive enhancer, it remains in the preclinical stage of research and has not been approved for clinical use by regulatory agencies.

Other names

9-methyl-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole9-Methylnorharman