MAO and MAO inhibitors

MAO - monoamine oxidase

MAO is an enzyme system that occurs in the human body and is responsible for the breakdown of certain substances - so-called biogenic amines. These amines are organic compounds that contain nitrogen and play an important role in the nervous system.

There are two forms of MAO:

• MAO-A: primarily breaks down the neurotransmitters serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine.
• MAO-B: acts mainly in the central nervous system (CNS), where it breaks down phenylethylamine, benzylamine and also dopamine.

These enzymes ensure that excess or toxic amines - whether from food, medication or the body's own production - are broken down. Without MAO, these substances could accumulate in the body and have a toxic effect, i.e. be harmful to health.

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MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)

MAO inhibitors are substances such as tranylcypromine, selegiline or harmaline, which block the enzyme MAO (monoamine oxidase). This enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of so-called biogenic amines in the body - including important neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin, as well as hormones such as adrenaline.

When MAO is inhibited, these substances are broken down more slowly and are available in the brain for longer. This can influence signal transmission between nerve cells and have a positive effect on certain forms of depression. However, the exact effect on the psyche has not yet been fully researched (as of 2024), as the interaction between neurotransmitters and psychological symptoms is very complex.

Types of MAO inhibitors

There are two main types:

• Reversible MAO inhibitors only inhibit the enzyme temporarily. As soon as the active ingredient is broken down, MAO functions normally again.
  → Example: moclobemide (medication for depression), harmaline/harmine (herbal, e.g. in ayahuasca)
• Irreversible MAO inhibitors block MAO permanently. The body has to produce a new enzyme, which can take several days.
  → Examples: Tranylcypromine, phenelzine (antidepressants), selegiline (for Parkinson's disease)

MAO inhibitors and DMT

DMT (dimethyltryptamine) is a highly effective psychedelic tryptamine that is normally broken down quickly by MAO-A when taken orally. In order for DMT to work orally, it is often combined with an MAO inhibitor - e.g. in the traditional preparation ayahuasca.

• In ayahuasca, DMT is combined with herbal MAO inhibitors such as harmaline, which have a reversible and selective effect on MAO-A.
• This prevents the breakdown of DMT and significantly prolongs its effect.

Risks:
The combination can lead to intense psychedelic experiences, but also to physical side effects such as nausea, vomiting, increased blood pressure or circulatory problems. It becomes particularly dangerous if other substances are also consumed.

Interactions with other psychoactive substances

MAO inhibitors can increase or change the effect of many substances - sometimes with life-threatening consequences:

The following list shows which substances, medications or foods should not be taken with MAO inhibitors.

- Sedatives (tranquilizers such as opioids) and narcotics

- Many antihistamines (anti-allergic drugs)

- Dextromethorphan (DXM)

- Antidepressant medication

- Alcohol (also avoid wine and beer without alcohol)

- Cocaine

- 2C-X compounds (including 2C-B)

- Ketamine

- synthetically produced psychoactive substances such as amphetamines, MDMA, methamphetamine, etc.

- naturally occurring psychoactive substances such as ephedrine, mescaline, etc.

- Asaron

- Nutmeg

- Dill, parsley and fennel oil (in small quantities for seasoning dishes unproblematic)

- Substances containing caffeine (cola, coffee, tea, cocoa, guarana, etc.)

- Sausages

- Avocado

- Cheese

- Bananas, pineapple, raspberries, rhubarb

- Foods with a tyrosine content (fish, poultry liver, horse beans, Chianti wine, etc.)

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