Tetrahydroharmine (THH) is a compound found in the plant Banisteriopsis caapi, traditionally used in spiritual journeys by the indigenous shamans of South America as part of the plant infusion Ayahuasca. Modern science has further corroborated the unique nootropic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, neurogenesis-, cognition-, and mood-enhancing properties of THH, which has the molecular formula C13H16N2O and a molecular mass of 216.28 g/mol.
Tetrahydroharmine Benefits and Uses
Tetrahydroharmine (THH) is a compound found in the plant Banisteriopsis caapi –one of the key ingredients of Ayahuasca. Our Tetrahydroharmine is racemic (±)-Tetrahydroharmine, consisting of both the (+) and (-) optical isomers. It is known that Tetrahydroharmine is a mild serotonin reuptake inhibitor – and additionally it is speculated that one isomer of our (±)-THH, may weakly and reversibly inhibit the activity of an enzyme called monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), which regulates the functioning of important monoamine neurotransmitters – including dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine and serotonin play important roles in regulating motivation, perception, and overall mood. The net effect of increasing these chemical messengers is said to be an overall improvement in mood, cognitive clarity and increased sense of calm focus.
THH can be used as a nootropic and neuroprotective compound that may offer additional beneficial effects including stress relief and mood improvement. A scientific study published in the renowned journal, Nature, has also recently uncovered a very unique property of THH and related harmala alkaloids in enabling adult neurogenesis. THH is also used synergistically with other MAO substrate ingredients that have cognitive enhancing and mood enhancing effects, including natural indole and phenylethylamine derivatives.
Tetrahydroharmine is known by a number of alternative names including:
- (R)-Tetrahydroharmine
- THH
- UNII-AF812R7053
Scientific Consensus
Tetrahydroharmine (THH) is a compound that regulates key neurotransmitters namely dopamine and serotonin. It is taken primarily for its nootropic, neuroprotective and neurogenesis promoting effects as well as ability to improve mood, cognitive function and reduce feelings of stress. Further clinical research is required to fully support the safety, dosage and potential benefits of THH.