Evidence supporting the use of: Indole alkaloid (unspecified)
For the body system: Serotonin

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Indole alkaloids are a class of naturally occurring compounds containing a common indole core structure. The most relevant indole alkaloid in the context of the serotonin system is tryptamine and its derivatives, including serotonin itself (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), as well as compounds like psilocybin and reserpine. Many indole alkaloids have well-documented interactions with the serotonin system. For example, reserpine, an indole alkaloid from Rauwolfia serpentina, was historically used as an antihypertensive and antipsychotic drug due to its ability to deplete monoamines such as serotonin from nerve terminals, demonstrating a direct effect on serotonin neurotransmission. Other indole alkaloids, such as those found in Peganum harmala (harmine, harmaline), inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO), affecting serotonin metabolism. Additionally, psychedelic indole alkaloids like psilocybin and LSD are known to act as agonists at serotonin receptors, notably 5-HT2A.

Overall, there is substantial scientific evidence that many indole alkaloids interact with or modulate the serotonin system, either by mimicking serotonin, altering its metabolism, or influencing its receptors. However, the term "indole alkaloid (unspecified)" is broad, and specific effects depend on the compound in question. The evidence supports their ability to affect the serotonin system, but not all indole alkaloids support it in a beneficial way (e.g., reserpine depletes serotonin). Therefore, use of indole alkaloids to "support" the serotonin system is scientifically grounded, but context-specific.

More about Indole alkaloid (unspecified)
More about Serotonin

Other body systems supported by Indole alkaloid (unspecified)

Nerves
Serotonin

Products containing Indole alkaloid (unspecified)

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