9-Methyl-β-Carboline (9-Me-BC): Is It the Brain Booster You Need? 

Looking for a brain boost? What am I saying, who isn’t?! Well, search no more! 9-Me-BC (wordy, I know) is your brain’s new best friend! The short and sweet of it is that 9-Me-BC (9-Methyl-β-Carboline) is a powerful cognitive enhancer that will make you feel sharper while protecting your neurons.

This compound is getting a lot of attention in the community for its neuroprotective properties. Not only that, but it also boosts your dopaminergic neurons, giving you better memory and focus.

What’s really cool about 9-Me-BC is that it helps with dopaminergic differentiation (science-y way of saying it boosts dopamine neurons). A dopaminergic boost can have restorative effects for those dealing with issues like Parkinson’s disease. Sounds awesome, right? 

But how does 9 Me BC work? How should you inculcate it in your regimen? How much should you take? Are there any noticeable side effects to 9 Me BC supplementation? No need for you to worry about these questions for I will answer all these queries and discuss everything there is to know about 9 Me BC. Let’s get started and see how this brain boosting supplement can help you!

What is 9-Me-BC?

9-Methyl-β-Carboline is part of a class of compounds called β-carbolines. These compounds are known for their effects on dopaminergic neurons, the neurons that produce dopamine. Dopamine, for those who don’t know, is the brain chemical that keeps you motivated, focused, and feeling good!

But what makes 9-Me-BC stand out is its effect on boosting dopaminergic differentiation. Research by Kuhn et al and Wernicke et al has found that 9-Methyl-β-Carboline makes dopamine-producing neurons stronger and more effective. 

What’s more is that 9-Methyl-β-Carboline also helps neurons grow! Research in primary mesencephalic cultures(that’s lab-grown brain cells, fancy stuff) showed how this little molecule increased the number of dopaminergic neurons through its increased dopaminergic differentiation.

The Top 5 9-Me-BC Products

Are you looking to add 9-Methyl-β-Carboline to your regimen but unsure on which supplement to choose? Or are you looking to skip the exhaustive research and go right to the best products? 

Regardless, I’ve sparsed the web for the best 9-Methyl-β-Carboline supplements in the market and have selected the top five so you don’t have to. I’ve also stacked these products against each other so you can choose according to your needs (I know I know, I’m amazing).

Stacking the Best 9-Methyl-β-Carboline Supplements Against Each Other

9-Me-BC Product	Form	Dosage	Price	Key Benefits	Side Effects
SwissChems 9-Me-BC	Capsules & Powder	15 mg per capsule	$62.99 (capsules), $50 (powder)	Enhances focus, cognitive boost	Overstimulation at higher doses
Next Chems 9-Me-BC (9MBC)	Capsules	15 mg per capsule	$62.95 for 60 capsules	Improves memory, motivation	Mild headaches in sensitive individuals
PureRawz 9-Me-BC	Liquid	17 mg per ml	$35.48 for 15 ml $60.98 for 30 ml	Boosts dopamine, improves learning	Some jitteriness with high dopamine levels
Limitless Biotech 9-Me-BC Powder	Powder	10-15 mg per day	$54.99 for 500 mg $96.79 for 1000 mg	Supports neurogenesis, motivation	Dose sensitivity, potential overstimulation
RCD.bio 9-Me-BC Powder	Powder	10-15 mg per day	$45.48 for 500 mg $86.98 for 1000 mg	Memory enhancement, neuroprotection	Overstimulation at high doses

1. SwissChems 9-Me-BC (Capsules and Powder)

True to its reputation for quality and variety, SwissChems offers 9-Me-BC in capsule and powder forms. This variety in form provides a choice for both beginners, who want pre-defined doses, and experienced users looking for more control and flexibility. 

• Form: Capsules (15mg per capsule) and Powder (500mg)
• Dosage: Start with 15 mg (1 capsule) or measure out your preferred dose with the powder.
• Price: Capsules are $62.99 for 60 capsules, and powder comes in at $50 for 500 mg.
• Key Benefits: Cognitive enhancement, increased dopamine, neuroprotection.
• Side Effects: Minimal at recommended doses, but potential overstimulation with higher dosages.
• User Experience: Users found that both forms worked well in boosting focus and improving their mental clarity throughout the day.
  BUY CAPSULES
  BUY POWDER

2. Next Chems 9-Me-BC (9MBC), 15MG – 60 CAPSULES

Next Chems delivers a solid 9-Me-BC in capsule form, with a generous 15 mg per capsule. This product is perfect for those who want a no-fuss and effective way to take 9-Methyl-β-Carboline daily.

• Form: Capsules (15 mg per capsule)
• Dosage: 15 mg (1 capsule) per day is a great starting point.
• Price: $62.95 for 60 capsules.
• Key Benefits: Cognitive enhancement, improved focus, neuroprotection.
• Side Effects: Some users reported mild headaches with higher doses.
• User Experience: New users found the capsules super convenient and effective in increasing mental clarity and motivation.
  BUY NOW

3. PureRawz 9-Me-BC

PureRawz’s 9-Me-BC liquid offering is no exception. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to optimize brain function, with a focus on purity and effectiveness.

• Form: Capsules
• Dosage: 17 mg per ml.
• Price: $35.48 for 15 ml. $60.98 for 30 ml
• Key Benefits: Boosts dopamine levels, enhances memory and learning, neuroprotective effects.
• Side Effects: Some users experienced overstimulation after long-term use.
• User Experience: Users loved how quickly they felt the effects.
  BUY NOW

4. Limitless Biotech 9-Me-BC Powder

If you want total control over your regimen, Limitless Biotech offers a potent 9-Me-BC supplement in powder form. This is ideal for those who want to customize their stack and experiment with different dosages.

• Form: Powder
• Dosage: Start with 10-15 mg and adjust as needed.
• Price: $54.99 for 500 mg. $96.79 for 1000 mg.
• Key Benefits: Boosts dopamine, neurogenesis, cognitive enhancement.
• Side Effects: As with any powder form, there’s a risk of taking too much, leading to overstimulation.
• User Experience: Users raved about the easy solubility into smoothies and shakes with effects felt within a few days.
  BUY NOW

5. RCD.bio 9-Me-BC Powder

Another excellent powder option, RCD.bio’s 9-Me-BC is for the experienced stackers. This one has a higher dosage so it’s recommended for those who are well versed with supplementation and stacking.

• Form: Powder
• Dosage: 10-15 mg per day is recommended.
• Price: $45.48 for 500 mg. $86.98 for 1000 mg.
• Key Benefits: Dopamine boost, improved learning and memory, neuroprotection.
• Side Effects: Potential overstimulation at high doses.
• User Experience: While users thought the price was high they did love the effectiveness of the higher dose.
  BUY NOW

How 9-Me-BC Works

Alright, now let’s get to the juicy part: how does 9-Me-BC actually work? 9-Me-BC boosts your brain’s production of dopaminergic neurons, which means more dopamine flowing around in your brain. 

Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that helps with everything from spatial learning to keeping your mood in check. Dopamine also promotes synaptic proliferation (fancy talk for “making more brain connections”), especially in the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and learning capabilities. Think of 9-Me-BC as your personal brain trainer, helping it grow and improve.

In in-vitro experiments and animal models, researchers observed 9-Me-BC’s effect on stimulating dendritic and synaptic proliferation, which, in human terms, means stronger and more connected neurons. This boost was especially noticeable in midbrain dopaminergic neurons, the ones that handle dopamine regulation.

And, oh, did I mention its effects on monoamine oxidase activity? Yep, 9-Me-BC inhibits this enzyme from breaking down dopamine. So, not only does 9-Methyl-β-Carboline help produce more dopamine, it also keeps it around longer. 

Effects of 9-Me-BC on Dopaminergic Neurons

Let’s talk neurons. Specifically, dopaminergic neurons. Think of your brain as a bustling city. Dopamine is the fuel that keeps everything moving. 9-Me-BC is like the city planner, building new roads and expanding existing ones (hello, dendritic and synaptic proliferation) so dopamine can go where it needs to.

Researchers like Hamann et al have proven that the more 9-Me-BC you take (within reason!), the more dopamine you get. It’s that simple. This effect is especially exciting for conditions like Parkinson’s disease, where the loss of dopaminergic neurons is a huge issue. 

In animal studies on Parkinson’s, 9-Me-BC showed significant restorative effects in protecting and regrowing dopamine-producing neurons. This has a lot of potential for those dealing with neurodegenerative diseases.

9-Methyl-β-Carboline’s Effect on Cognitive Enhancement and Neurogenesis

As we discussed above, 9-Methyl-β-Carboline doesn’t just increase your brainpower, it also helps your brain grow new cells, especially in the hippocampus. This neurogenesis (cell creation) effect is crucial for learning and memory. 

In rodent studies with rats treated with 9-Me-BC researchers like Polanski et al and Hamann et al observed a boost in dendritic and synaptic proliferation in areas like the dentate gyrus. This area of the hippocampus is crucial in memory processing. 

But that’s not all. 9-Me-BC doesn’t just promote the growth of new neurons, it also increases hippocampal dopamine levels, which enhances memory, motivation, and spatial learning. Studies using tools like the radial arm maze (a test to measure learning in animal models) showed that rats treated with 9-Me-BC had improved performance, solving the maze faster and more accurately than the control group. 

Studies on 9-Methyl-β-Carboline’s neuroprotective properties, showed a significant reduction in inflammatory cytokines that cause inflammation and damage to neurons. 9-Methyl-β-Carboline was also seen to combat mitochondrial dysfunction (loss of energy in brain cells) and improve respiratory chain function. Think of it as a protective barrier for your brain cells.

Another great feature of 9-Me-BC is its ability to prevent neurotoxic effects. In both in vitro experiments (in the lab) and in vivo (in live animals) experiments, 9-Me-BC showed considerable resilience against neuron-damaging factors like tobacco smoke. It even helps regulate lactate dehydrogenase levels, thus limiting the damage in your brain’s cells.

Benefits of 9-Me-BC

Alright, let’s break down all the awesome benefits of 9-Me-BC, because there are plenty! If you’re tired of reading, here’s a summarisation: 

Benefit	Description
Neuroprotection	Protects dopaminergic neurons from damage, reducing risk in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Cognitive Enhancement	Boosts memory, focus, and learning by promoting neurogenesis and enhancing synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus.
Increased Dopamine	Elevates dopamine levels, improving mood, motivation, and mental clarity.
Synaptic Proliferation	Increases the growth of new neuronal connections in key brain areas like the dentate gyrus, leading to faster learning and better memory retention.
Anti-Inflammatory	Reduces inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, helping to protect brain cells from damage caused by inflammation.
Long-Term Brain Health	Enhances long-term potentiation and improves brain flexibility by boosting derived neurotrophic factors and promoting better neuron function over time.

1. Neuroprotection and Recovery

The most significant benefit of 9-Me-BC is its amazing neuroprotective properties. Whether it’s delaying the early onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease or just wanting to keep neurons healthy, 9-Me-BC has your back. It boosts dopaminergic differentiation and protects your brain from aging and diseases. It has also shown impressive restorative effects in damaged neurons.

Studies have discovered that 9-Me-BC reduces monoamine oxidase activity, preventing dopamine break-down in the brain. By inhibiting this enzyme, 9-Me-BC ensures you have elevated levels of dopamine.

2. Cognitive Enhancement and Memory

When it comes to boosting brain power, 9-Me-BC is a rockstar cognitive enhancer. By promoting dendritic and synaptic proliferation and increasing synaptic plasticity, it helps the brain make new connections more efficiently. 

Think back to our city building anecdote; 9-Methyl-β-Carboline helps make new paths for speedier communication between different areas of the brain. In studies on control animals versus rats treated with 9-Me-BC, those on the supplement performed higher on cognitive tasks, like the radial arm maze.

What’s more, by increasing gene expression in the brain, including key proteins like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), 9-Me-BC improves overall brain flexibility and resilience. This makes your brain much better equipped to face mental challenges and learn new things, even as you age.

3. Mood, Motivation, and Energy

We all have those days where we just don’t feel up to doing anything. 9-Me-BC can help with that too! Due to its stimulation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, 9-Me-BC increases the brain’s dopamine levels, thereby regulating mood. 

Studies published in the European Journal have shown that after 9-Methyl-β-Carboline treatment, dopamine levels saw a major boost.

Due to its effect on the substantia nigra (the area of the brain in charge of control and motivation) 9-Methyl-β-Carboline can boost energy levels, as seen in rodent studies. 

4. Reduces Inflammation and Fights Oxidative Stress

9-Me-BC is also a champ in fighting inflammation and reducing oxidative stress. By lowering harmful inflammatory cytokines, it keeps neurons safe from damage. 9-Methyl-β-Carboline even helps regulate lactate dehydrogenase activity, which can lead to brain cell damage if left unchecked. 

Studies have even explored 9-Methyl-β-Carboline’s effects on cerebrospinal fluid and its ability to reverse decreased levels of dopamine seen in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

5. Boosts Synaptic Plasticity

9-Me-BC also boosts synaptic plasticity, making your brain better at dealing with mental challenges and storing information. Synaptic plasticity is important to maintain long-term memory and increased cognitive performance. Researchers, including Reichmann H, Gille G, and others, have found strong evidence that 9-Me-BC plays a crucial role in enhancing learning and memory retention.

How to Take 9-Me-BC

Alright, so you’re ready to give 9-Me-BC a try. But what’s the perfect dosage for the maximum benefits?Let’s find out!

Dosage Recommendations

Most beginners start with a dose of 15 mg per day. This is usually split into one or two doses, depending on the form you choose. Researchers also use this dose range to test 9-Methyl-β-Carboline’s restorative effects on dopaminergic neurons.

You can take 9-Me-BC in capsule, powder or liquid form. The powder can be mixed into your pre-workout or post-workout drinks. This is true of the liquid form as well, with the additional option of taking it directly. The capsules, on the other hand, offer a pre-designed dosage best for on-the-go supplementation..

Cycle Length and Usage

Since there is no universal cycle for 9-Me-BC, most users go for cycles of 4-8 weeks before they take a break. Cycling helps your body avoid building up too much tolerance to any compound. Like I advise with other nootropics, it’s best to monitor your body’s response to any new supplementation and adjust accordingly.

If you want to stack 9-Me-BC with other nootropics, you can go for those that boost dopamine production, like L-Tyrosine or Modafinil. Just remember to moderate since excessive dopamine-boosting can lead to overstimulation.

Potential Side Effects of 9-Me-BC

As with any supplement, it’s crucial to understand the potential side effects. While 9-Methyl-β-Carboline has a ton of benefits, there are a few side effects to be aware of if you’re sensitive to dopamine-enhancing compounds.

Side Effect	Description
Dopamine Overload	Excess dopamine can lead to overstimulation, causing anxiety, restlessness, or insomnia.
Neurotoxicity at High Doses	Higher doses of 9-Me-BC can lead to neurotoxic effects, particularly in dopaminergic neurons and parts of the hippocampus like the dentate gyrus.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibition	Monoamine oxidase inhibition can interact with medications, leading to imbalanced dopamine levels.
Inflammation	High doses can increase inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, especially coupled with environmental stressors like tobacco smoke.
Overstimulation	Sensitivity to dopamine boosts can cause side effects like headaches, jitteriness, or mood swings.
Cellular Stress	High concentrations can stress the respiratory chain, potentially leading to cellular damage in neurons.

1. Dopamine Overload and Stimulation

9-Methyl-β-Carboline promotes the growth of tyrosine hydroxylase (the enzyme crucial to dopamine production). However, too much dopamine can lead to overstimulation. This manifests through elevated levels of anxiety, restlessness, and even insomnia. 

2. Neurotoxicity at High Doses

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: neurotoxic effects. While 9-Me-BC has huge potential for dopaminergic differentiation and neuroprotection, higher doses have higher risks. Some in vitro experiments and in vivo studies in rats have shown that very high concentrations of 9 methyl β carboline can lead to neurotoxic effects on neurons in the hippocampus. 

3. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibition

By controlling monoamine oxidase, 9-Me-BC maintains higher dopamine levels. However, monoamine oxidase inhibitors can sometimes interact adversely with certain medications, especially in those with specific brain chemistry. Studies have found where monoamine oxidase inhibition helps protect dopaminergic neurons, too much can lead to neurotoxic effects.

4. Inflammatory Response

In higher doses, 9-Me-BC can potentially contribute to oxidative stress if misused. This is especially true for those with pre-existing conditions or where tobacco smoke or other environmental stressors worsen inflammation. 

Some neuro psychopharmacology studies have found that combining 9-Me-BC with tobacco smoke can lead to increased oxidative stress.

5. Sensitivity to Dopaminergic Compounds

9-Me-BC‘s effect on elevated hippocampal dopamine levels can lead to heightened sensitivity in some people. This overstimulation can cause jitteriness, headaches, or mood swings. Present studies, such as those by Reichmann H. Gille G. published in the European Journal, have shown that moderating dopamine levels is important to prevent these overstimulation side effects.

6. Potential for Long-Term Potentiation

While it boosts long-term potentiation (the brain’s ability to strengthen neural connections), 9-Methyl-β-Carboline can cause overstimulation if not cycled properly. While 9-Methyl-β-Carboline supports neurogenesis and gene expression, too much can stall the production and lead to stagnation.

7. Interaction with Medications

If you’re on any prescribed medications that affect your dopamine levels, it’s crucial to be cautious. Since 9-Me-BCinhibits monoamine oxidase, it has the possibility of interacting adversely with antidepressants or other medications that affect dopamine levels. 

ALWAYS consult with your doctor if you’re taking prescription medications like monoamine oxidase inhibitors or are under treatment for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease.

8. Cellular Stress in High Concentrations

Research on cells in the primary mesencephalic cultures, using tools like vector laboratories, has shown that high doses of 9-Me-BC can sometimes cause cellular stress. In the lab, high doses led to potential disruption of the respiratory chain in some cases, adversely affecting energy production in neurons. These findings from vitro experiments make it important to avoid overdosing on 9-Me-BC.

Comparison with Other Nootropics

How does 9-Me-BC compare to other popular brain-boosting compounds? Let’s break it down!

Nootropic	Dopamine Boosting	Neuroprotection	Memory Enhancement	Mood & Motivation Boost
9-Me-BC	Yes	Yes	Strong	High
L-Tyrosine	Yes	No	Mild	Moderate
Modafinil	Yes	Mild	Strong	High
Bacopa Monnieri	No	Yes	Very Strong	Low
Noopept	Mild	Yes	Strong	Moderate

9-Me-BC‘s dual role as a dopamine enhancer and neuroprotective agent makes it an all-rounder cognitive enhancer. While comparative nootropics like L-Tyrosine and Modafinil are effective for boosting dopamine and focus, 9-Me-BC has the added benefit of shielding your brain cells. 

Conclusion

So, now you know that 9-Me-BC is a potent and versatile supplement with a wide range of benefits, it’s time for you to get your own brain booster! From enhancing your memory and elevating your mood to keeping your brain sharp, 9-Me-BC is your new best friend! 

Just be mindful of the recommended dosage and choose the best product for your specific needs. The best part is, whichever of our best five products you choose, you’ll still walk away with increased focus, higher mental clarity and enhanced learning abilities!