harmaline

Harmaline is a naturally occurring beta-carboline alkaloid found primarily in the plant *Peganum harmala* and other sources. It is a reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), classifying it as a RIMA (reversible inhibitor of MAO-A). Harmaline exhibits central nervous system stimulant properties and mild psychedelic effects with pronounced physical side effects. Its mechanism of action includes inhibition of MAO-A, leading to increased levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Harmaline also acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, histamine N-methyltransferase inhibitor, and has weak affinity for serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors. At high doses in animal models, it stimulates striatal dopamine release and can induce tremor by modulating T-type calcium channels within the inferior olive-cerebellar circuitry. Harmaline has been studied for its antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 by inhibiting viral transcription at noncytotoxic concentrations[1][2][3][5][6].

Other names

4,9-dihydro-7-methoxy-1-methyl-3H-pyrido[3,4-b]indoleharmalol methylene ether