What does harmine mean?
Harmine is a naturally occurring beta-carboline alkaloid found in several plants, including Peganum harmala, commonly called Syrian rue, and Banisteriopsis caapi, the vine used in ayahuasca preparations. Chemically, harmine is closely related to the compound harman but has an additional methoxy group. It acts as an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A, an enzyme involved in the metabolism of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, and it can produce psychoactive effects. These properties have made it important in research on ayahuasca and have prompted investigation of its possible effects on mood, cognition, and neurodegenerative disease. In most contemporary usage, harmine is a specialized scientific noun rather than a general term for a drug experience or natural medicine. Claims about its medical benefits remain subjects of research, so it should not be confused with an established treatment.
nounA naturally occurring beta-carboline alkaloid found in several plants, including Peganum harmala and Banisteriopsis caapi. It has psychoactive and possible monoamine oxidase-inhibiting effects and is studied for its neurological and therapeutic potential.
- A beta-carboline alkaloid occurring in various plants, especially Peganum harmala and Banisteriopsis caapi; it can have psychoactive effects and inhibit monoamine oxidase A.
"Researchers are investigating harmine as a potential treatment for depression and neurodegenerative disease."
"The ayahuasca preparation contains harmine, a beta-carboline that acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor."
"Scientists are studying harmine for possible effects on mood, cognition, and neurodegenerative conditions."
The plural is used when referring to multiple quantities, samples, or occurrences of the compound.
"The researchers compared the effects of two synthetic harmines in cell cultures."
From plants used in traditional preparations, harmine became a molecule of interest in the search for new psychiatric treatments.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of harmine
The name harmine comes from the Arabic name harzeb, associated with Peganum harmala, through the plant’s modern genus name. Its naming reflects its isolation from harmal, an alkaloid-rich material obtained from the plant. The compound belongs to the beta-carboline family, which also includes harman, harmaline, and harmalol.
How harmine is actually used
Harmine is primarily a technical term in pharmacology, botany, and chemistry. In discussions of ayahuasca, it may refer both to the compound and, less precisely, to its psychoactive effects.
Easily confused with harmine
Both are beta-carboline alkaloids, but harmine and harmaline are distinct chemical compounds with different structures and pharmacological profiles.
Harmine is a methoxylated beta-carboline, whereas harman is a closely related beta-carboline without that methoxy group.