Tag: Beta carbolines

Harmane, a naturally occurring neuroactive compound in the family of beta-carboline alkaloids, is present in various common dietary sources, including brewed coffee and well-done meats. While it is endogenously produced in the body, exogenous intake from food and beverages is considered the more significant source of overall exposure.

While the coffee plant itself is part of the Rubiaceae family, which contains the Coffea genus, it does not naturally produce harmine in its green state. The answer to whether harmine is in coffee, however, is a bit more nuanced, as a related, but distinct, β-carboline alkaloid, harman, is formed during the roasting process.

A 2022 study revealed that concentrations of harmine in native Banisteriopsis caapi plants showed significant variability, with some samples containing up to 18.27 mg/g. Harmine, a beta-carboline alkaloid, is predominantly found in specific plant species, rather than common dietary foods.

In-vitro studies have shown that several compounds found in coffee can exhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory activity. This raises the important question: **is coffee an MAOI inhibitor** in a way that is clinically significant for human health and safety?