Harmine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that is found in a number of plants. Chemically speaking it is an alkaloid of the beta-carboline variety but that is simply fancy scientific language – alkaloids are naturally occurring substances that have an effect on the body. The caffeine in teas and coffee beans, morphine found in poppy plants, and psilocin found in hallucinogenic mushrooms are all alkaloids.
Beta-carbolines are a group of about 100 alkaloids that are known for their effects on brain functions, antioxidant strength, and more recently strengthening and enhancing cognition.
Harmine is a reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor, that blocks MAO-A but does not block MAO-B. Harmine is found in relatively high quantities in the plant tissue of banisteris caapi, one of the two primary ingredients in ayahuasca brew. Along with other MAOIs found in b. caapi, harmine has the effect of blocking the natural matabolic process that would normally destroy DMT in the body before its effects set in.
