🔅 TYRAMINE

– Tyramine is a natural compound that is formed from the breakdown of tyrosine, an amino acid. Tyramine is found in many foods, especially those that are aged, fermented, or processed.

▶️ FOOD SOURCES OF TYRAMINE

– Some of the foods that are high in tyramine are:

• Cheddar, feta, blue, brie, swiss, parmesan, provolone.

• Wine and beer.

• Salami, sausage, bacon, cold cuts.

• Marmite, vegemite.

• Tofu, miso, soy sauce.

– If you want to avoid or limit tyramine in your diet, you can choose foods that are low in tyramine, such as:

• American, cottage, cream cheese, ricotta.

• Vegetables(fresh, raw, or cooked).

• Meat (chicken, turkey, beef, pork, eggs, fish).

•Fruits (fresh, frozen, or canned).

• Grains (bread, rice, pasta, cereals).

• Milk and yogurt (skim, low-fat, or whole).

• Beverages (water, juice, tea, coffee, soda)

What are the symptoms of tyramine sensitivity?

– Tyramine sensitivity is a condition that occurs when a person has a reduced ability to break down tyramine, a natural compound found in many foods, especially those that are aged, fermented, or processed.

– Tyramine can cause various health problems, such as migraine headaches and high blood pressure, in some people who are sensitive to it or who take certain medications that inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO), which normally breaks down tyramine in the body.

– Some of the symptoms of tyramine sensitivity are:

• Headache (particularly at the back of the head).

• Rapid heartbeat.

• High blood pressure

• Flushing.

• Sweating.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Anxiety.

• Panic attacks.

• Numbness, tingling of hands or feet.

• Pain or stiffness in the neck

– If you experience these symptoms after consuming foods high in tyramine, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately and it is advisable not to lie down as this may increase the blood pressure further. Avoiding foods and drinks with a high tyramine content will help prevent this adverse effect occurring.

▶️ MEDICATIONS THAT REACT WITH TYRAMINE

– There are some medications that react with tyramine, a natural compound found in many foods, especially those that are aged, fermented, or processed. Tyramine can cause various health problems, such as migraine headaches and high blood pressure, in some people who are sensitive to it or who take certain medications that inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO), which normally breaks down tyramine in the body.

– Some of the medications that react with tyramine are:

1). Monoamin

– These are a type of antidepressant that can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure if taken with foods high in tyramine. Some common MAOIs include phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).

2). Linezolid

– This is an antibiotic that can also inhibit MAO and increase the risk of high blood pressure when combined with tyramine-rich foods. Linezolid may be prescribed for infections

3). Procarbazine

– This is a chemotherapy drug that can also block MAO and cause severe headaches and high blood pressure when taken with foods high in tyramine. Procarbazine may be used to treat Hodgkin's disease, lymphoma, or some brain tumor

– If you are taking any of these medications, you should avoid or limit foods and drinks that contain tyramine, such as aged cheeses, alcohol, cured meats, fermented soy products, and pickled vegetables. You should also consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medications, supplements, or herbal products that may interact with tyramine.

▶️ MECHANISMS OF ACTION FOR MAOIs

– The mechanism of action for MAOIs is to inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO), which is responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain. By blocking MAO, MAOIs increase the levels of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, which may improve mood and reduce depression symptoms.

– There are two types of MAO, MAO-A and MAO-B, which have different substrate preferences and tissue distributions. MAO-A mainly metabolizes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, while MAO-B mainly metabolizes dopamine, phenylethylamine, and benzylamine. MAO-A is found in the gut, liver, placenta, and brain, while MAO-B is found in the brain, liver, platelets, and glial cells.

– MAOIs can be classified into irreversible & reversible, and selective & non-selective, depending on their binding affinity and specificity for MAOIs isoforms. Irreversible MAOIs form a covalent bond with the enzyme, rendering it inactive for a long time, while reversible MAOIs form a weaker bond that can be displaced by other substrates. Selective MAOIs target only one isoform of MAO, while non-selective MAOIs target both isoforms.

– Some examples of MAOIs are:

1). Irreversible and non-selective: isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)

2). Irreversible and selective for MAO-B: selegiline (Emsam), rasagiline (Azilect)

3). Reversible and selective for MAO-A: moclobemide (Aurorix), toloxatone (Humoryl)

▶️ NATURAL ALTERNATIVES TO MAOIs

– Some herbs and spices have MAO inhibitory activity, either non-selective or selective for MAO-A or MAO-B. However, these natural products may also have side effects or interactions with other medications, so you should consult your doctor before using them.

– Some of the natural alternatives to MAOIs are:

🔅Peganum harmala: This is a perennial herb that contains the alkaloids harmaline and harmine, which are potent MAO-A inhibitors. Syrian rue may have antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic effects, but it may also cause hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, and hypertension

🔅Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata): This is a perennial climbing vine that produces an edible fruit called maypop. Passionflower contains the MAO inhibitors harmaline and harmine, as well as several flavonoids that are MAO inhibitors, such as apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin. Passionflower may have calming, sedative, and anti-anxiety effects, but it may also cause drowsiness, dizziness, and low blood pressure

🔅Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi): This is a South American vine that is used traditionally to treat parasites and digestive disorders. It is also noted for its hallucinogenic actions. Ayahuasca contains harmaline and harmine, which are MAO-A and MAO-B inhibitors, as well as flavanols that are MAO-B inhibitors, such as epicatechin and procyanidin. Ayahuasca may have neuroprotective and anti-Parkinson's effects, but it may also cause severe psychological and physical reactions, such as vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis

🔅Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans): This is a spice that is derived from the seeds of an evergreen tree. Nutmeg contains myristicin, which is an unselective MAO inhibitor, as well as the MAO inhibitors kaempferol and quercetin. Nutmeg may have antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, but it may also cause hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.

🔅Turmeric (Curcuma longa): This is a spice that is derived from the rhizomes of a flowering plant. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a selective MAO-A inhibitor, as well as the MAO inhibitors kaempferol and quercetin. Turmeric may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects, but it may also cause stomach upset, bleeding, and kidney stones.

🔅Kava (Piper methysticum): This is a plant that is native to the Pacific Islands. Kava contains kavalactones, which are MAO-B inhibitors, as well as the MAO inhibitors kaempferol and quercetin. Kava may have relaxing, sedative, and anti-anxiety effects, but it may also cause liver damage, skin rash, and impaired driving.

– Listed above are some of the natural alternatives to MAOIs that you can find in various herbs and spices. However, you should be careful about the dosage, quality, and safety of these products, as they may have adverse effects or interactions with other drugs. You should always consult your doctor before using any natural product for your health.