Contents
The Holy Medicine of the Holy and Divine Mother Ayahuasca, which contain the Holy Banisteriopsis Caapi Vine, is known for containing ample amount of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, also known as MAOIs. MAOIs work by affecting chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) used to communicate between brain cells. MAOI blocks actions of the monoamine oxidase enzymes which is involved in removing neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine from the brain.
MAOI were the first anti-depressants
MAOIs were the first class of antidepressants introduced in the 1950s for clinical use. These are a separate class from antidepressants used for treating different forms of depression. In recent times, MAOIs have also been used to treat nervous system disorders, such as social phobia, panic disorder, and depression with atypical features. Some examples of atypical features are overeating and oversleeping. Furthermore, other neurological disorders that can benefit from MAOIs are those diagnosed with multiple system atrophy and patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Even though MAOIs were the first antidepressants discovered, they are not the first choice in treating mental disorders due to several strict dietary restrictions, safety concerns, and side effects. MAOIs are often the only treatment option when all other anti-depression medications have been proven unsuccessful.
How do MAOIs work? MAOI Mechanism of Action
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) are used for blocking the monoamine oxidase enzyme. Usually, the monoamine oxidase enzyme in our body breaks down different types of neurotransmitters from the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, tyramine, and dopamine. MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of these neurotransmitters, and this action increases their levels and allowing them to continue to influence and repair the cells that have been affected by depression.
Two types of Monoamine Oxidase are available in our bodies, A and B. The MOA A is mostly distributed in the gut, liver, and placenta, but MOA B can be found in the brain, platelets, and liver. Noradrenaline and Serotonin are substrates of MOA A, but methylhistamine, tryptamine, and phenylethylamine are substrates of MOA B. Tyramine and dopamine are metabolized by both MOA A and B. Safinamide is reversible and selective MAO B inhibitor but Rasagiline and selegiline are irreversible and selective inhibitors of MAO type B.
Mechanism of action of MAOI of the Holy B. Caapi Vine in the Holy Medicine of the Holy and Divine Mother Ayahuasca
In the Holy Medicine of the Holy and Divine Mother Ayahuasca which is usually prepared with the Holy B. Caapi Vine, which contain MAOI, and DMT containing plants such as Psychotria Viridis or Diplopterys Cabrerana, the MAOI of the Holy Medicine helps the DMT from breaking down in the stomach and allows the DMT to enter the bloodstream and cross the blood-brain barrier. Without the MAOI, the DMT would be digested in the stomach and would not contribute in creating the strong visuals which are attributed to the DMT.
Types of Medicinal MAOIs approved by the FDA
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the regulating authority of prescription medication in the U.S. has approved the following MAOIs:
- Isocarboxazid (Marplan): usually takes three to six weeks to take action fully.
- Phenelzine (Nardil): usually takes up to four weeks to fully work.
- Tranylcypromine (Parnate): usually takes up to three weeks to fully take effect.
- Selegiline (Emsam, Carbex, Atapryl, Zelapar): Works by selectively blocking MAO B. There are no dietary restrictions.
Side effects of MAOIs
Because of safety concerns and side effects, MAOIs are most often tried when other antidepressants have failed to work. The most common side effects of MAOIs include:
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Nausea, diarrhea, or constipation
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Skin reaction at the patch site
Other possible side effects include:
- Low blood pressure
- Weight gain
- Involuntary muscle jerks
- Muscle cramps
- Reduced sexual desire or difficulty reaching orgasm
- Difficulty starting a urine flow
- Prickling or tingling sensation in the skin (paresthesia)
Foods to avoid to keep Tyramine low
One downside of taking MAOIs is that you have to follow very strict dietary restrictions to keep the tyramine level down in the blood. Certain foods contain excess tyramine, and these kinds of food should be avoided while taking MAOIs. The more food ages, the higher the level of concentrated tyramine becomes. This is effective for aged cheese, meat, and even leftovers in your fridge. Other foods with dangerously high levels of tyramine are:
- Soy sauce and other fermented soy products
- Salami and other aged or cured meats
- Sauerkraut
- Aged cheese, such as Brie, Cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan, Swiss, and Blue Cheese
- Alcohol, especially chianti, vermouth, and beers
- Tofu
- Fava beans
- Raisins, dates, and other dried fruits
- All nuts
Safety concerns before taking MAOIs
- Food and beverage interactions: MAOIs can cause dangerous interactions with specific foods and beverages. If you are planning to take MAOIs, you will have to avoid foods containing high levels of tyramine. The interaction of MAOIs with tyramine can cause dangerously high blood pressure. Ask for a complete list of alcohol and dietary restrictions from your doctor before using MAOIs.
- Antidepressants and pregnancy: Some antidepressants may affect your child if you take them during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Drug interaction: MAOIs can cause serious reactions when taken with certain medications, such as certain pain drugs, other antidepressants, herbal supplements, and certain allergy and cold medications. Check your pharmacist or doctor before taking any prescription, supplements, or herbs while you’re on MAOIs.
- Serotonin syndrome: An MAOI can rarely cause to release dangerously high levels of serotonin, which is known as serotonin syndrome. This usually occurs if two medications that raise the serotonin level are combined. These include certain pain or headache medications, other antidepressants, and the herbal supplement St. John’s wort.
Conclusion
Clinically, MAOIs are used as a type of medication used to treat depression. Like other antidepressants these may not be right for everyone and may take weeks of use to reach their full effect. However, if used in combination with the right form of lifestyle changes and therapies, MAOI medication can be highly effective against depression symptoms.
In the Holy Medicine of the Holy and Divine Mother Ayahuasca, MAOIs are found amply from the Holy B. Caapi Vine. In the coming days, Holy Medicine of the Holy and Divine Mother Ayahuasca made from only the Holy B. Caapi Vine without the DMT admixture is aimed to be more popular which will assist in healing humanity through the Holy Medicine’s tremendous healing potentials. Startups like Medihuasca are poised to do this in the coming days, along with other startups which are also hoped to contribute by making the Holy Medicine of the Holy and Divine Mother Ayahuasca more accessible to the public which is made from the Holy B. Caapi Vine only without any DMT admixtures.
References:
- https://ayahuascah.com/
- Baker, GB. Coutts, RT. McKenna, KF. and Sherry-McKenna, RL. (1992). Insights into the mechanisms of action of the MAO inhibitors phenelzine and tranylcypromine: a review. J Psychiatry Neurosci, [online] Volume, 17(5), p. 206-14. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1362653 [Accessed 5th May 2021]
- Francescangeli, J, Karamchandani, K. Powell, M. Bonavia, A. (2019). The serotonin syndrome: From molecular mechanisms to clinical practice. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, [online] Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31075831/ [Accessed 5th May 2021]
- McFarland, NR. (2016). Diagnostic Approach to Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes. Continuum (Minneap Minn), [online] Volume, 22(4 Movement Disorders), p. 1117-42. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27495201 [Accessed 5th May 2021]
- Müller, T. Riederer, P. and Grünblatt, E. (2017). Determination of Monoamine Oxidase A and B Activity in Long-Term Treated Patients With Parkinson Disease. Clin Neuropharmacol, [online] Volume 40(5). p. 208-211. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28682929 [Accessed 5th May 2021]
- Rapaport, MH. (2007). Dietary restrictions and drug interactions with monoamine oxidase inhibitors: the state of the art. J Clin Psychiatry, [online] Volume, 68(8) p. 42-6. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17640157/ [Accessed 5th May 2021]
- Thase, ME. (2012), MAOIs and depression treatment guidelines. J Clin Psychiatry, [online] Volume, 73(7), p. 24. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22901357 [Accessed 5th May 2021]