Hey there! Welcome to my review of 9-Me-Bc.
I recently discovered 9-Me-Bc while looking for nootropics that stimulate dopamine.
As we live in a culture driven by dopamine, finding safe and effective nootropics that can help boost the brain’s reward pathway can be helpful for many people.
The good news is that 9-Me-Bc does show promise as a dopamine booster that helps with mood, learning, neuroprotection, and more!
The catch is that this nootropic is relatively new, and more human data is needed.
The following article takes a deep dive into all things 9-Me-Bc, including the science of how it works, reviews of users, dosing, side effects, and where to buy it!
So if you’re ready to learn more about 9-Me-Bc, let’s jump into it!
Where To Buy 9-me-BC
9-me-BC (9-Methyl-β-carboline)
What Is 9-Me-Bc
9-me-BC (9-methyl-β-carboline) is a part of the β-Carboline family of pyridoindoles, synthesized from tryptophan or tryptophan-like indoleamines. 1Paulina Piechowska ,Renata Zawirska-Wojtasiak andSylwia Mildner-Szkudlarz, Bioactive β-Carbolines in Food: A ReviewNutrients. 2019
While other β-Carbolines structurally resemble 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), a compound known for causing Parkinson’s disease (PD), 9-me-BC tends to act as a more neuroprotective agent.2Witold Polanski , Christoph Enzensperger, Heinz Reichmann, Gabriele Gille, The exceptional properties of 9-methyl-beta-carboline: stimulation, protection and regeneration of dopaminergic neurons coupled with anti-inflammatory effectsJ Neurochem. 2010
Recent research has demonstrated 9-me-BC’s stimulatory effects on dopaminergic neurons, upregulation of crucial cognitive-enhancing genes like BDNF, and antioxidant status3Sebastian Keller, Witold Henryk Polanski, Christoph Enzensperger, Heinz Reichmann, Andreas Hermann & Gabriele Gille , 9-Methyl-β-carboline inhibits monoamine oxidase activity and stimulates the expression of neurotrophic factors by astrocytesJournal of Neural Transmission. 2020
While official human data is currently lacking, plenty of encouraging animal and in-vitro data make 9-me-BC an intriguing compound to experiment with.
How 9-Me-Bc Works In The Brain
9-Me-Bc is a part of the β-Carboline family that exert both beneficial and toxic effects in the brain.
Some β-Carbolines act as substrates for the dopamine transporter (DAT).4Witold Polanski, Christoph Enzensperger, Heinz Reichmann, Gabriele Gille, The exceptional properties of 9-methyl-β-carboline: stimulation, protection and regeneration of dopaminergic neurons coupled with anti-inflammatory effectsJournal of Neurochemistry. 2010
At the same time, other methylated β-Carboline cations like 2,9-dimethyl-β-carbolinium ion (2,9-dime-BC+) may exert highly toxic effects not only to dopaminergic neurons but also to other cell constituents, eventually contributing to Parkinson’s Disease. 5Witold Polanski, Christoph Enzensperger, Heinz Reichmann, Gabriele Gille, The exceptional properties of 9-methyl-β-carboline: stimulation, protection and regeneration of dopaminergic neurons coupled with anti-inflammatory effectsJournal of Neurochemistry. 2010
9-me-BC, on the other hand, has shown neuroprotective against 2,9-dime-BC+ and other neurotoxic agents, along with neuroregenerative effects with the ability to stimulate the gene expression of important dopaminergic neurotrophic factors.
It does this is by stimulating dopaminergic neurons through the full spectrum of the meso-cortico-limbic and nigrostriatal pathways.6Michael Gruss, Dorothea Appenroth, Armin Flubacher, Christoph Enzensperger, Jörg Bock, Christian Fleck, Gabriele Gille, Katharina Braun, 9-Methyl-β-carboline-induced cognitive enhancement is associated with elevated hippocampal dopamine levels and dendritic and synaptic proliferationJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY. 2012
Dopamine transporters take 9-me-BC into the dopaminergic neurons, which acts as a neurostimulant by elevating tyrosine-hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme of DA synthesis, responsible for converting tyrosine to dopamine.7Witold Polanski, Christoph Enzensperger, Heinz Reichmann, Gabriele Gille, The exceptional properties of 9-methyl-β-carboline: stimulation, protection and regeneration of dopaminergic neurons coupled with anti-inflammatory effectsJournal of Neurochemistry. 2010
One animal study found hippocampal dopamine levels were elevated after ten days and included increased dendritic length/complexity, total dendritic spines, and synaptic proliferation in the hippocampus. Experts believe this lends to its nootropic effects. 8Michael Gruss, Dorothea Appenroth, Armin Flubacher, Christoph Enzensperger, Jörg Bock, Christian Fleck, Gabriele Gille, Katharina Braun, 9-Methyl-β-carboline-induced cognitive enhancement is associated with elevated hippocampal dopamine levels and dendritic and synaptic proliferationJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY. 2012
Even better, 9-me-BC has demonstrated its anti-inflammatory properties in-vitro by reducing the expression of many inflammatory modulators such as chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 9 (Cxcl9), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), Fas ligand and interferon regulatory factor 1.9Witold Polanski, Christoph Enzensperger, Heinz Reichmann, Gabriele Gille, The exceptional properties of 9-methyl-β-carboline: stimulation, protection and regeneration of dopaminergic neurons coupled with anti-inflammatory effectsJournal of Neurochemistry. 2010
9-me-BC Benefits
As 9-me-BC comes with the dual benefits of enhancing dopamine neurons and antioxidant status, a handful of benefits have been studied in-vitro and in animals.
9-me-BC and Dopamine
9-me-BC’s ability to enhance dopamine is its primary benefit.
It has shown the ability to enahance dopamine transporters, dopamine, tyrosine hydroxylase, and dopamine genetic transcription factors.
In other words, it enhances multiple processes that lead to more dopamine.
At the same time, it neutralizes elements that kill dopamine, like 2,9-dime-BC +.10Sebastian Keller, Witold Henryk Polanski, Christoph Enzensperger, Heinz Reichmann, Andreas Hermann & Gabriele Gille , 9-Methyl-β-carboline inhibits monoamine oxidase activity and stimulates the expression of neurotrophic factors by astrocytesJournal of Neural Transmission. 2020
9-me-BC and Depression, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders
9-me-BC may be a good option for those who need help with mood disorders, as it shows the ability to inhibit both MAO-A, and MAO-B..11Sebastian Keller, Witold Henryk Polanski, Christoph Enzensperger, Heinz Reichmann, Andreas Hermann & Gabriele Gille , 9-Methyl-β-carboline inhibits monoamine oxidase activity and stimulates the expression of neurotrophic factors by astrocytesJournal of Neural Transmission. 2020
These MAO-inhibiting benefits and its anti-inflammatory properties make 9-me-BC a viable option for those dealing with depression and other mood issues.
9-me-BC and Neuroprotection
The factors listed above also lend to 9-me-BC’s antioxidant and neuroprotective qualities.
It’s been evaluated for the ability to modulate neurotoxicity from several neurotoxic elements and can be a potent guard against Parkinson’s Disease.12Sebastian Keller, Witold Henryk Polanski, Christoph Enzensperger, Heinz Reichmann, Andreas Hermann & Gabriele Gille , 9-Methyl-β-carboline inhibits monoamine oxidase activity and stimulates the expression of neurotrophic factors by astrocytesJournal of Neural Transmission. 2020
9-me-BC’s ability to combat Parkinson’s was also demonstrated through lowering the protein levels of α-synuclein, a hallmark sign of PD.
The best part is that not only is 9-me-BC neuroprotective but also neurodegenerative, which means it can potentially be helpful for rehabilitation.
There is also the anti-inflammatory profile of 9-me-BC, as it has been shown to limit the proliferation of activated microglia and decrease the gene expression of various inflammatory cytokines and receptors while also boosting GDNF, a potent neural growth factor of protective glial cells.
9-me-BC and Learning/Memory
Along with it’s benefits for dopamine 9-me-BC shows the ability to generate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in vivo. 13Catrin Wernicke et al, 9-Methyl-β-carboline has restorative effects in an animal model of Parkinson’s diseaseScience Direct. 2010
This is exciting as it means there is a potential to benefit many aspects of cognition, including learning and memory.
One animal study demonstrated 9-me-BC’s ability to increase learning capabilities. In the study, rats given 9-me-BC could learn tasks in 10 days, compared to 15 days in control rats.14Michael Gruss, Dorothea Appenroth, Armin Flubacher, Christoph Enzensperger, Jörg Bock, Christian Fleck, Gabriele Gille, Katharina Braun, 9-Methyl-β-carboline-induced cognitive enhancement is associated with elevated hippocampal dopamine levels and dendritic and synaptic proliferationJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY. 2012
Effects may be comparable to smart and illicit drugs that boost dopamine along with synaptic and dendritic growth.
Paired with dopamine enhancement, 9-me-BC may be able to deliver powerful nootropic benefits.
Dosing:
With no human trials dosing is a bit of a mystery. Most users respond between 10-20 mg.
Side Effects
There are some anecdotal reports of light side effects reported by users but overall 9-me-BC seems to be well tolerated at reasonable doses.
However, as this is an MAO-inhibitor you want to take the same precautions as any other MAOI like avoiding high-tyramine-containing foods.
You also want to avoid methyl donor supplements such as methylfolate, TMG, SamE, etc as β-Carbolines can be neurotoxic when methylated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 9-Me-Bc is a promising nootropic with potential as a dopamine booster and neuroprotective agent.
Although human data is limited, animal studies and in-vitro data indicate that 9-Me-Bc can benefit mood disorders, neuroprotection, learning, and memory.
Its ability to inhibit MAO-A and MAO-B, increase antioxidant status, and reduce the expression of inflammatory modulators make it a viable option for those dealing with depression and other mood issues.
Additionally, 9-Me-Bc’s neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects can potentially be helpful for rehabilitation.
However, as with all nootropics, caution should be exercised, and more human data is needed to determine its full range of effects and potential side effects.
