# Harmin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/harmin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-30 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** 7-methoxy-1-methyl-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole, Harmin alkaloid, Beta-carboline harmin, Peganum alkaloid, Syrian rue alkaloid, Harmal alkaloid, Wild rue extract component ## Overview Harmin is a beta-carboline alkaloid found in Peganum harmala and ayahuasca plants that reversibly inhibits monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A). This compound demonstrates [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties in preclinical studies, though human clinical data remains limited. ## Health Benefits • [Neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s, as suggested by preclinical studies in plant extracts containing harmine, though lacking human data. • Anticancer properties indicated in plant extracts, but with no human trials to support these findings. • [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) action noted in preclinical studies, yet human evidence is absent. • Antiviral potential observed in plant extracts, though no clinical trials confirm these effects in humans. • Inhibition of monoamine oxidase, which plays a role in neurotransmitter [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), as suggested by harmine's mechanism of action. ## Mechanism of Action Harmin reversibly inhibits monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) with an IC50 of approximately 5-10 μM, increasing levels of [serotonin](/ingredients/condition/mood), dopamine, and norepinephrine. It also modulates GABA signaling pathways and exhibits [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) by scavenging free radicals. Additionally, harmin interferes with DNA topoisomerase II activity, contributing to its potential anticancer effects. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence for harmin comes primarily from in vitro and animal studies, with no dedicated human clinical trials. Preclinical research shows [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s in models of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease at doses of 10-50 mg/kg in rodents. [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) studies demonstrate activity against various bacteria and fungi at concentrations of 25-100 μg/mL. The lack of human trials significantly limits conclusions about therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing in humans. ## Nutritional Profile Harmine (C13H12N2O) is a beta-carboline alkaloid with a molecular weight of 212.25 g/mol. It is not a nutritional ingredient in the conventional sense and contains no macronutrients (0g protein, 0g fat, 0g carbohydrates), no dietary fiber, no vitamins, and no minerals in its isolated compound form. As a pure alkaloid, its profile is defined entirely by its bioactive chemistry: it functions as a reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) with an IC50 of approximately 5-10 nM in vitro. Harmine is naturally occurring in Peganum harmala seeds (2-7% dry weight), Banisteriopsis caapi vine (0.31-8.43 mg/g dry weight), and Passiflora incarnata aerial parts (trace amounts, approximately 0.0018% dry weight). In isolated form, typical experimental doses referenced in preclinical studies range from 1-20 mg/kg in animal models. Bioavailability data in humans is limited, but harmine is lipophilic (logP approximately 1.35), facilitating passive membrane diffusion and suggesting reasonable oral absorption; it readily crosses the blood-brain barrier due to its lipophilic nature and small molecular size. It undergoes hepatic first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), primarily via CYP1A2-mediated O-demethylation to harmol, which is subsequently conjugated as glucuronide and sulfate metabolites for urinary excretion. No established dietary reference intake or safe upper limit exists for isolated harmine. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges for harmine in extract, powder, or standardized forms are available due to the absence of human trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Harmin can cause dangerous interactions with SSRIs, SNRIs, and other antidepressants due to its MAO-A inhibition, potentially leading to [serotonin](/ingredients/condition/mood) syndrome. Common side effects may include nausea, dizziness, and [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) changes. It should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Individuals taking any psychiatric medications or those with cardiovascular conditions should consult healthcare providers before use. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials or meta-analyses have been identified specifically for harmine. Preclinical studies suggest various health effects, but these lack human data and do not provide specific PMIDs. ## Historical & Cultural Context Harmine is a primary bioactive alkaloid in Peganum harmala, used historically in traditional medicine systems of the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. Specific traditional indications or durations are not detailed in the sources. ## Synergistic Combinations Harmaline, Harmalol, Harmol, Vasicine, Vasicinone ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the difference between harmin and harmine? Harmin and harmine are often used interchangeably but harmine is the more common scientific name for the same beta-carboline alkaloid. Both refer to the identical compound with MAO-A inhibiting properties found in Peganum harmala and ayahuasca plants. ### How much harmin is safe to take daily? There is no established safe daily dose for harmin supplements as human clinical trials are lacking. Traditional ayahuasca preparations contain 0.1-0.5 mg/kg of harmine, but isolated harmin supplements may have different safety profiles and should only be used under medical supervision. ### Can harmin help with depression? While harmin's MAO-A inhibition theoretically could affect mood by increasing neurotransmitter levels, there are no clinical studies proving its effectiveness for depression. The compound's interaction with antidepressants makes it potentially dangerous for people already treating depression. ### What foods should I avoid when taking harmin? Due to MAO-A inhibition, foods high in tyramine should be avoided, including aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented foods, and certain wines. These combinations can cause dangerous blood pressure spikes and hypertensive crisis. ### Is harmin legal in the United States? Pure harmin is generally legal in the United States as it's not specifically scheduled, though plants containing it like ayahuasca may have legal restrictions due to DMT content. Legal status can vary by state and intended use, so verification with local laws is recommended. ### Does harmin have drug interactions with SSRIs or other antidepressants? Harmin may interact with serotonergic medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and MAOIs due to its monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor properties, potentially increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome. Concurrent use with these medications requires medical supervision and is generally not recommended without professional oversight. Anyone taking prescription antidepressants should consult their healthcare provider before using harmin-containing supplements. ### Is harmin safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding? There is insufficient clinical evidence regarding harmin's safety during pregnancy and lactation, making it inadvisable for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Harmin's potential effects on neurotransmitter systems and its presence in plant alkaloids suggest potential risks, though human studies are lacking. Pregnant and nursing individuals should avoid harmin supplementation until more comprehensive safety data becomes available. ### What is the quality of scientific evidence supporting harmin's health claims? Most evidence for harmin's health benefits comes from preclinical and in vitro studies conducted on plant extracts containing harmine and harmin, rather than human clinical trials. While neuroprotective, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties have been suggested in laboratory research, no Phase II or Phase III human trials have confirmed these effects. The evidence base is currently too preliminary to make definitive claims about harmin's therapeutic efficacy in humans. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*