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SAM-e: Difference between revisions
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'''S-Adenosyl methionine''' (also | '''S-Adenosyl-L-methionine''' (also called '''S-Adenosyl methionine''', '''Ademethionine''' and commonly as '''SAMe''' and '''SAM-e''') is a common cosubstrate involved in methyl group transfers, transsulfuration, and aminopropylation in biological organisms.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Finkelstein, J. D.)), ((Martin, J. J.)) | journal=The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology | title=Homocysteine | volume=32 | issue=4 | pages=385–389 | date= April 2000 | issn=1357-2725 | doi=10.1016/s1357-2725(99)00138-7}}</ref> SAMe is an amino acid methionine bound to an ATP molecule that circulates in the blood naturally and acts as a 'methyl donor'. A methyl group in chemistry is simply a carbon molecule (bound to some hydrogens), and donating a methyl group to other molecules can accelerate or preserve reactions in the body as a form of metabolic 'maintenance'.{{citation needed}} | ||
SAM-e is available over the counter and by prescription in the treatment of depression and osteoarthritis. It is generally distributed in enteric-coated tablets, which allows the supplement to pass through the low pH environment of the stomach to the gastrointestinal tract, raising the bioavaliability by 600%.<ref>Bioavailability of S- | SAM-e is available over the counter and by prescription in the treatment of depression and osteoarthritis. It is generally distributed in enteric-coated tablets, which allows the supplement to pass through the low pH environment of the stomach to the gastrointestinal tract, raising the bioavaliability by 600%.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Mischoulon, D.)), ((Alpert, J. E.)), ((Arning, E.)), ((Bottiglieri, T.)), ((Fava, M.)), ((Papakostas, G. I.)) | journal=The Journal of clinical psychiatry | title=Bioavailability of S-Adenosyl Methionine and Impact on Response in a Randomized Controlled Trial in Major Depressive Disorder | volume=73 | issue=6 | pages=843–848 | date= June 2012 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4156851/ | issn=0160-6689 | doi=10.4088/JCP.11m07139}}</ref> | ||
[[File:Sam-E.jpg|250px|thumb|Enteric coated SAM-e tablets.]] | [[File:Sam-E.jpg|250px|thumb|Enteric coated SAM-e tablets.]] | ||
A review of trials assessing oral doses of SAM-e between 200mg and 1600mg notes that they appear to have similar efficacy to tricyclic antidepressants as well as being more effective than placebo.<ref>A vitamin/nutriceutical formulation improves memory and cognitive performance in community-dwelling adults without dementia | A review of trials assessing oral doses of SAM-e between 200mg and 1600mg notes that they appear to have similar efficacy to tricyclic antidepressants as well as being more effective than placebo.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Chan, A.)), ((Remington, R.)), ((Kotyla, E.)), ((Lepore, A.)), ((Zemianek, J.)), ((Shea, T. B.)) | journal=The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging | title=A vitamin/nutriceutical formulation improves memory and cognitive performance in community-dwelling adults without dementia | volume=14 | issue=3 | pages=224–230 | date= March 2010 | issn=1760-4788 | doi=10.1007/s12603-010-0054-5}}</ref> | ||
==Chemistry== | ==Chemistry== | ||
S-adenosyl methionine is an [[endogenous]] molecule, found as a substrate synthesized by the sub-groups adenosine and methionine through an the enzyme methionine adenosyltransferase. The adenosine subcomponent is comprised of an adedine nucleobase bonded to a ribose chain. This ribose chain is attached to the terminal carbon of the methionine group. Methionine is a butyl carboxylic acid substituted at R<sub>2</sub> with an amino group and at R<sub>4</sub> with a methylthio (carbon-sulphur) group. It is an essential methyl donator in metabolic reactions.{{citation needed}} | S-adenosyl methionine is an [[endogenous]] molecule, found as a substrate synthesized by the sub-groups adenosine and methionine through an the enzyme methionine adenosyltransferase. The adenosine subcomponent is comprised of an adedine nucleobase bonded to a ribose chain. This ribose chain is attached to the terminal carbon of the methionine group. Methionine is a butyl carboxylic acid substituted at R<sub>2</sub> with an amino group and at R<sub>4</sub> with a methylthio (carbon-sulphur) group. It is an essential methyl donator in metabolic reactions.{{citation needed}} | ||
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==Pharmacology== | ==Pharmacology== | ||
SAM-e is an [[endogenous]] molecule that has numerous roles including methyl donation in neurotransmitter synthesis, antioxidative effects (radical scavenging, glutathione precursor), anti-inflammatory effects, and neuroprotective effects.<ref>Role of S-adenosyl-L-methionine in the treatment of depression: a review of the evidence | SAM-e is an [[endogenous]] molecule that has numerous roles including methyl donation in neurotransmitter synthesis, antioxidative effects (radical scavenging, glutathione precursor), anti-inflammatory effects, and neuroprotective effects.<ref name="Mischoulon">{{cite journal | vauthors=((Mischoulon, D.)), ((Fava, M.)) | journal=The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition | title=Role of S-adenosyl-L-methionine in the treatment of depression: a review of the evidence | volume=76 | issue=5 | pages=1158S–61S | date= November 2002 | issn=0002-9165 | doi=10.1093/ajcn/76/5.1158S}}</ref> | ||
SAM-e, in addition to providing ATP to the cell, also can convert nicotinamine into N-methyl-nicotinamide (NMNA) via nicotinamide N-methyltransferase, NMNA which can prevent choline efflux from the brain and neuron, a process which may account for some of SAM-e's [[nootropic]] effects.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Williams, A. C.)), ((Ramsden, D. B.)) | journal=Medical Hypotheses | title=Nicotinamide homeostasis: a xenobiotic pathway that is key to development and degenerative diseases | volume=65 | issue=2 | pages=353–362 | date= 2005 | issn=0306-9877 | doi=10.1016/j.mehy.2005.01.042}}</ref> The involvement of SAM-e in the process of synthesizing serotonin, creatine and dopamine likely play a role in nootropic effects as well. | |||
==Subjective effects== | ==Subjective effects== | ||
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}} | {{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}} | ||
In comparison to the effects of other nootropics such as [[noopept]], this compound is reported to produce | In comparison to the effects of other nootropics such as [[noopept]], this compound is reported to produce more physical and cognitive stimulation. | ||
{{effects/base | {{effects/base | ||
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*'''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' - The stimulation which SAM-e presents can be considered as subtle, yet persistent and energetic comparable to that of [[caffeine]], although less forced. | *'''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' - The stimulation which SAM-e presents can be considered as subtle, yet persistent and energetic comparable to that of [[caffeine]], although less forced. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Appetite suppression]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Appetite suppression]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Bodily control enhancement]]''' - In addition to raising energy levels, SAM-e shows efficacy in improving joint mobility in those with osteoarthritis.<ref>[Meta-analysis of the efficacy of adenosylmethionine and oxaceprol in the treatment of osteoarthritis] | *'''[[Effect::Bodily control enhancement]]''' - In addition to raising energy levels, SAM-e shows efficacy in improving joint mobility in those with osteoarthritis.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Witte, S.)), ((Lasek, R.)), ((Victor, N.)) | journal=Der Orthopade | title=[Meta-analysis of the efficacy of adenosylmethionine and oxaceprol in the treatment of osteoarthritis] | volume=31 | issue=11 | pages=1058–1065 | date= November 2002 | issn=0085-4530 | doi=10.1007/s00132-002-0366-1}}</ref> | ||
*'''[[Effect::Dehydration]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Dehydration]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Diarrhea]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Diarrhea]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Headaches]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Headaches]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Muscle spasms]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Muscle spasms]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Pain relief]]''' - This appears to be about as effective as NSAIDS such as [[ibuprofen]] for joint inflammation and pain.<ref> Italian double-blind multicenter study comparing S-adenosylmethionine, naproxen, and placebo in the treatment of degenerative joint disease | *'''[[Effect::Pain relief]]''' - This appears to be about as effective as NSAIDS such as [[ibuprofen]] for joint inflammation and pain.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Caruso, I.)), ((Pietrogrande, V.)) | journal=The American Journal of Medicine | title=Italian double-blind multicenter study comparing S-adenosylmethionine, naproxen, and placebo in the treatment of degenerative joint disease | volume=83 | issue=5A | pages=66–71 | date=20 November 1987 | issn=0002-9343 | doi=10.1016/0002-9343(87)90854-0}}</ref> | ||
*'''[[Effect::Stamina enhancement]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Stamina enhancement]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Stomach cramps]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Stomach cramps]]''' | ||
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*'''[[Effect::Focus enhancement]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Focus enhancement]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Irritability]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Irritability]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Mania]]'''<ref>A Case Report of a Manic Episode Triggered by S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) | | *'''[[Effect::Mania]]'''<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Berigan, T. R.)) | journal=Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry | title=A Case Report of a Manic Episode Triggered by S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) | volume=4 | issue=4 | pages=159 | date= 2002 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC315487/ | issn=1523-5998}}</ref> | ||
*'''[[Effect::Memory enhancement]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Memory enhancement]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Mindfulness]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Mindfulness]]''' | ||
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}} | }} | ||
===Experience reports=== | |||
There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our [[experience index]]. Additional experience reports can be found here: | |||
*[https://www.erowid.org/experiences/subs/exp_SAMe.shtml Erowid Experience Vaults: SAMe] | |||
==Toxicity and harm potential== | ==Toxicity and harm potential== | ||
{{toxicity}} | {{toxicity}} | ||
There are no clinically significant side-effects of acute SAM-e supplementation. Although side-effects are not commonly reported with SAMe, numerous studies note a small set of participants who experience [[mania]] after supplementing SAM-e. While not common, it appears to be related to SAMe supplementation for unknown reasons; it has been reported in some persons without history of mania as well and does not appear to be related to any pathological condition per se.<ref> S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) for the treatment of depression in people living with HIV/AIDS | | There are no clinically significant side-effects of acute SAM-e supplementation. Although side-effects are not commonly reported with SAMe, numerous studies note a small set of participants who experience [[mania]] after supplementing SAM-e. While not common, it appears to be related to SAMe supplementation for unknown reasons; it has been reported in some persons without history of mania as well and does not appear to be related to any pathological condition per se.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Shippy, R. A.)), ((Mendez, D.)), ((Jones, K.)), ((Cergnul, I.)), ((Karpiak, S. E.)) | journal=BMC Psychiatry | title=S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) for the treatment of depression in people living with HIV/AIDS | volume=4 | pages=38 | date=11 November 2004 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC535560/ | issn=1471-244X | doi=10.1186/1471-244X-4-38}}</ref><ref name="Mischoulon"/> | ||
SAM-e is also hypothesized to raise homocystine to harmful levels, but this has yet to be proven in a laboratory environment. <ref>Influence of oral S-adenosylmethionine on plasma 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, S-adenosylhomocysteine, homocysteine and methionine in healthy humans | SAM-e is also hypothesized to raise homocystine to harmful levels, but this has yet to be proven in a laboratory environment. <ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Loehrer, F. M.)), ((Schwab, R.)), ((Angst, C. P.)), ((Haefeli, W. E.)), ((Fowler, B.)) | journal=The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | title=Influence of oral S-adenosylmethionine on plasma 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, S-adenosylhomocysteine, homocysteine and methionine in healthy humans | volume=282 | issue=2 | pages=845–850 | date= August 1997 | issn=0022-3565}}</ref> Still, it is advised to take Sam-e along with folate and B12. | ||
Regardless, it is strongly recommended that one be familiar with [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this substance. | Regardless, it is strongly recommended that one be familiar with [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this substance. | ||
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==Legal status== | ==Legal status== | ||
*'''United States''' - SAM-e is approved and legal over the counter for purchase. | *'''United States''' - SAM-e is approved and legal over the counter for purchase. | ||
*'''Germany''' - SAM-e is sold as a dietary supplement. | |||
*'''Russia''' - SAM-e is available by prescription. | *'''Russia''' - SAM-e is available by prescription. | ||
*'''United Kingdom''' - It is illegal to produce, supply, or import this drug under the Psychoactive Substance Act, which came into effect on May 26th, 2016.<ref>Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 | *'''United Kingdom''' - It is illegal to produce, supply, or import this drug under the Psychoactive Substance Act, which came into effect on May 26th, 2016.<ref>{{Citation | title=Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 | url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/2/contents/enacted}}</ref> | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*[[Responsible use]] | *[[Responsible use]] | ||
*[[Nootropics]] | *[[Nootropics]] | ||
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*[[Ashwagandha]] | *[[Ashwagandha]] | ||
*[[Creatine]] | *[[Creatine]] | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S-Adenosyl_methionine S-Adenosyl methionine (Wikipedia)] | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S-Adenosyl_methionine S-Adenosyl methionine (Wikipedia)] | ||
*[https://examine.com/supplements/s-adenosyl-methionine/ S-Adenosyl methionine (Examine)] | *[https://examine.com/supplements/s-adenosyl-methionine/ S-Adenosyl methionine (Examine)] | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Psychoactive substance]] | |||
[[Category:Nootropic]] | |||
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