Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Monoamine Oxidase B (MAO-B) is a mitochondrial enzyme that metabolizes dopamine, phenylethylamine, and other monoamines in the brain. This enzyme plays a crucial role in neurotransmitter regulation, cognitive function, and neuroprotection through its control of dopaminergic signaling pathways.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Monoamine Oxidase B (MAO-B) is a metabolic enzyme that breaks down monoamines, including neurotransmitters like dopamine. It is found in the brain and other tissues, playing a role in mood regulation and neurotransmitter metabolism.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Human trials and observational studies have explored its role in neurodegenerative diseases and mood disorders.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
- Flavin-containing enzyme. - Breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. - Involved in dopamine metabolism.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
MAO-B catalyzes the oxidative deamination of dopamine, phenylethylamine, and benzylamine using FAD as a cofactor, producing aldehydes, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide. The enzyme is primarily located in astrocytes and increases with age, leading to enhanced dopamine metabolism. MAO-B inhibition preserves dopamine levels in the synaptic cleft, enhancing dopaminergic neurotransmission and potentially protecting against neurodegeneration.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Clinical studies on MAO-B inhibitors like selegiline and rasagiline demonstrate neuroprotective effects in Parkinson's disease patients, with trials showing 20-30% reduction in disease progression markers. A 5-year study of 800 early Parkinson's patients found MAO-B inhibitor treatment delayed need for levodopa therapy by 9 months. Research indicates MAO-B activity increases 4-6 fold with aging, correlating with cognitive decline. However, most evidence focuses on pharmaceutical MAO-B inhibitors rather than natural enzyme modulation, limiting conclusions about supplemental approaches.
Also Known As
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