Compound · 9-me-bc
T3Nootropic

9-MBC (9-Methyl-beta-carboline)

Heterocyclic beta-carboline derivative with putative dopaminergic regenerative properties. In vitro and rodent studies suggest upregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase, enhanced dendrite outgrowth in dopaminergic neurons, and anti-inflammatory effects on microglial cells via inhibition of NF-kB. Hypothesized to promote regeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Zero completed human clinical trials. Photosensitizing properties are a known safety concern.

Half-life
Not characterized in humans
Bioavailability
Not characterized in humans
Route
oral
Evidence tier
T3 — Community / emerging
Optimization pillars
cellular-health
References
3 peer-reviewed
Dose ranges

Three tiers ordered by aggressiveness. Tier chips on every OPTIMIZE intervention let you filter the catalog by your evidence tolerance.

conservative
5 mg/day
Minimum reported dose (community)
moderate
5–15 mg/day
Community-reported range
aggressive
15–30 mg/day
Not recommended — no human safety data
Monitoring
  • alt
  • ast
  • ggt
  • prolactin
Contraindications
  • photosensitivity-disorders
  • concurrent-uv-exposure
  • pregnancy
  • lactation
  • parkinsons-medication-concurrent
References
  • PMID:227186719-Methyl-beta-carboline exerts neuroprotective effects and induces neurite outgrowth in dopaminergic neuronsNeurotoxicol Teratol, 2012
  • PMID:20957497Beta-carbolines as regulators of neuroplasticity and neurogenesisCurr Top Med Chem, 2010
  • PMID:16411200Neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions of beta-carbolinesAnn N Y Acad Sci, 2005
Notes

9-MBC is the compound this tool must include and simultaneously cannot endorse. Zero human trials. Zero human pharmacokinetic data. The rodent data on dopaminergic neurite outgrowth is genuinely interesting. But photosensitization is a real mechanism — beta-carbolines form DNA adducts under UV exposure. The self-experimenter community treats this as a dopamine recovery tool, typically post-stimulant abuse. The risk profile is uncharacterized by definition. Tier 3 means exactly what it says. This is a research compound. Treat it as one.

This is not medical advice

Discuss with a licensed clinician before starting, stopping, or changing any compound. This page documents what the research literature describes — it is not a prescription.

See 9-MBC (9-Methyl-beta-carboline) in a protocol matched to you

OPTIMIZE · a protocols.is product