Harmala alkaloid: Difference between revisions

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==Pharmacology==

Harmala alkaloids are classed as [[MAOI]]s. This means that they inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase metabolic enzymes of which two varieties exist: ~~MOA~~-A and ~~MOA~~-B. The alkaloids bind reversibly to the active site of the enzyme, inhibiting its endogenous function of destroying amine functions of neurotransmitters and externally administered centrally active drugs. This has the effect of potentiating and prolonging the central and peripheral activity of both neurotransmitters and a variety of drugs.

Harmala alkaloids are classed as [[MAOI]]s. This means that they inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase metabolic enzymes of which two varieties exist: MAO-A and MAO-B. The alkaloids bind reversibly to the active site of the enzyme, inhibiting its endogenous function of destroying amine functions of neurotransmitters and externally administered centrally active drugs. This has the effect of potentiating and prolonging the central and peripheral activity of both neurotransmitters and a variety of drugs.

Harmala alkaloids are selective for ~~MOA~~-A at reasonable doses and bind to the enzyme temporarily, so they are classed as a [[RIMA|reversible inhibitor of monoamine-A]] ([[RIMA]]). At higher doses, they also begin to affect the ~~MOA~~-B enzyme. Because of the reversible selectivity for MAO-A, harmala alkaloids are considered to be less dangerous in combination with food which contains [[tyramine]] and other substances with monoamine moieties which are reliant on monoamine oxidase for decomposition.

Harmala alkaloids are selective for MAO-A at reasonable doses and bind to the enzyme temporarily, so they are classed as a [[RIMA|reversible inhibitor of monoamine-A]] ([[RIMA]]). At higher doses, they also begin to affect the MAO-B enzyme. Because of the reversible selectivity for MAO-A, harmala alkaloids are considered to be less dangerous in combination with food which contains [[tyramine]] and other substances with monoamine moieties which are reliant on monoamine oxidase for decomposition.

However, it is important to understand that this does not imply that harmala alkaloids will not cause neurotoxicity. Harmala alkaloids temporarily disable the brain's primary mechanism for breaking down neurotransmitters and drugs which can have negative consequences as material builds up in the synapses, leading to a huge range of downstream central and peripheral effects including [[Sedation|sedation]], [[Stimulation|stimulation]], [[Anxiety|anxiety]], [[cognitive dysphoria]], [[Physical euphoria|euphoria]], [[Headaches|headaches]], [[eye strain]], and [[muscle convulsions]].

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 ==Pharmacology==
-Harmala alkaloids are classed as [[MAOI]]s. This means that they inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase metabolic enzymes of which two varieties exist: MOA-A and MOA-B. The alkaloids bind reversibly to the active site of the enzyme, inhibiting its endogenous function of destroying amine functions of neurotransmitters and externally administered centrally active drugs. This has the effect of potentiating and prolonging the central and peripheral activity of both neurotransmitters and a variety of drugs.
+Harmala alkaloids are classed as [[MAOI]]s. This means that they inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase metabolic enzymes of which two varieties exist: MAO-A and MAO-B. The alkaloids bind reversibly to the active site of the enzyme, inhibiting its endogenous function of destroying amine functions of neurotransmitters and externally administered centrally active drugs. This has the effect of potentiating and prolonging the central and peripheral activity of both neurotransmitters and a variety of drugs.
-Harmala alkaloids are selective for MOA-A at reasonable doses and bind to the enzyme temporarily, so they are classed as a [[RIMA|reversible inhibitor of monoamine-A]] ([[RIMA]]). At higher doses, they also begin to affect the MOA-B enzyme. Because of the reversible selectivity for MAO-A, harmala alkaloids are considered to be less dangerous in combination with food which contains [[tyramine]] and other substances with monoamine moieties which are reliant on monoamine oxidase for decomposition.
+Harmala alkaloids are selective for MAO-A at reasonable doses and bind to the enzyme temporarily, so they are classed as a [[RIMA|reversible inhibitor of monoamine-A]] ([[RIMA]]). At higher doses, they also begin to affect the MAO-B enzyme. Because of the reversible selectivity for MAO-A, harmala alkaloids are considered to be less dangerous in combination with food which contains [[tyramine]] and other substances with monoamine moieties which are reliant on monoamine oxidase for decomposition.
 However, it is important to understand that this does not imply that harmala alkaloids will not cause neurotoxicity. Harmala alkaloids temporarily disable the brain's primary mechanism for breaking down neurotransmitters and drugs which can have negative consequences as material builds up in the synapses, leading to a huge range of downstream central and peripheral effects including [[Sedation|sedation]], [[Stimulation|stimulation]], [[Anxiety|anxiety]], [[cognitive dysphoria]], [[Physical euphoria|euphoria]], [[Headaches|headaches]], [[eye strain]], and [[muscle convulsions]].