Also known as: 9-Me-BC, 9-MBC, 9mebc, 9-mebc, 9-MeBC, 9 Me BC, 9-Methyl-β-carboline, 9-methyl-beta-carboline
9-Methyl--carboline (9-Me-BC) is a synthetic -carboline alkaloid that has drawn nootropic-community interest for a preclinical property that is genuinely unusual among -carbolines: in rodent and cell-culture studies it appears to stimulate the dopaminergic phenotype - raising tyrosine hydroxylase, the number of differentiated dopamine neurons and dopamine content - while also showing neuroprotective, neurorestorative and anti-inflammatory effects, plus in-vitro MAO-A/MAO-B inhibition [PMID:17913302, PMID:20374418, PMID:32285253]. It is best understood as an experimental research chemical: there are no human trials, no human pharmacokinetic or safety data, and it is not approved for human use.
Overview
At A Glance
9-Me-BC is a synthetic 9-methylated -carboline (pyridoindole) alkaloid. Unlike most -carbolines, which tend to be neurotoxic, 9-Me-BC shows a distinctive dopaminergic-supportive profile in preclinical models, acting through several linked mechanisms:…
Overview
9-Methyl--carboline (9-Me-BC) is a synthetic -carboline alkaloid that has drawn nootropic-community interest for a preclinical property that is genuinely unusual among -carbolines: in rodent and cell-culture studies it appears to stimulate the dopaminergic phenotype - raising tyrosine hydroxylase, the number of differentiated dopamine neurons and dopamine content - while also showing neuroprotective, neurorestorative and anti-inflammatory effects, plus in-vitro MAO-A/MAO-B inhibition [PMID:17913302, PMID:20374418, PMID:32285253]. It is best understood as an experimental research chemical: there are no human trials, no human pharmacokinetic or safety data, and it is not approved for human use. Community dosing is entirely anecdotal, and because 9-Me-BC inhibits MAO-A it warrants MAOI-style caution. Research use only.
Potential Research Fields
What to Expect
- •This is a preclinical research chemical: all mechanistic and efficacy evidence comes from rodent and cell-culture work by a small number of research groups - there are zero human trials.
- •Community users describe a stimulant-like lift in focus, motivation and mood, often the same day; these reports are anecdotal and unverified.
- •Onset and half-life in humans are unknown, so the timing and duration of any effect cannot be stated reliably.
- •Because it inhibits MAO-A in vitro, users treat it with MAOI-style caution: no serotonergic-drug stacking and mind tyramine-rich foods.
- •No long-term human safety data exist - the honest expectation is uncertainty.
Individual responses vary. Timeline based on commonly reported research observations.
Chemical Information
IUPAC Name
9-methyl-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole
CAS Number
2521-07-5
Molecular Formula
C12H10N2
Molecular Mass
182.22 g/mol
Dosing & Protocols
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Research
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- Safety and side effects
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Interactions
Interaction Matrix
Contraindications
Precautionary (there is no human data to define true contraindications): avoid combining with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, other serotonergic drugs, or sympathomimetic stimulants due to 9-Me-BC's in-vitro MAO-A inhibition and the theoretical serotonin-toxicity / hypertensive (tyramine) risk. Not for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding, in anyone with significant cardiovascular or hepatic disease, or alongside prescription medications, given the complete absence of human safety testing. Research use only - not for human consumption.
Research Disclaimer
This interaction data is compiled from published research and community reports. It may not be exhaustive. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining compounds.
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Tracking since Jul 1, 2026 · 1 data point
Vendors Selling 9-Me-BC (9-Methyl-β-carboline)
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Related Compounds
View AllAniracetam
NootropicsApproved (Italy)Aniracetam is a pyrrolidinone in the racetam family, developed by Hoffmann-La Roche under the code Ro 13-5057.
Bemethyl (bemitil)
NootropicsApproved (Russia)Bemethyl, known in the Russian literature as bemitil and sold in the region under names including Metaprot, Bemactor and Antihot, is 2-ethylthiobenzimidazole, normally handled as the hydrobromide salt.
Bromantane
NootropicsRussia ApprovedBromantane is an atypical psychostimulant and anxiolytic developed in the 1980s at the Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, originally created as an adaptogen for Soviet military and elite athletic use and later approved in Russia for the treatment of neurasthenic and asthenic disorders under the trade name Ladasten.
Cyclazodone
NootropicsPreclinicalCyclazodone is the N-cyclopropyl derivative of pemoline, a 4-oxazolidinone stimulant.
Dihexa
NootropicsPreclinicalDihexa is a synthetic peptide analogue of the angiotensin IV metabolite LVV-hemorphin-7, developed at Washington State University.
Fasoracetam (NS-105)
NootropicsPhase 2Fasoracetam is a racetam developed by Nippon Shinyaku in Japan under the code NS-105 and taken into clinical development for vascular dementia.
View Full Dosage Guide →
Protocols, calculator & safety for 9-Me-BC (9-Methyl-β-carboline)
Research Score
6 PubMed results
Quality Indicators
Data Completeness
100%Research Volume
Limited research available
Quick Facts
Half-Life
Not characterized in humans (no pharmacokinetic data).
Molecular Weight
182.22 g/mol
CAS Number
2521-07-5
Trial Phase
Preclinical
Safety Profile
Moderate RiskCommon Side Effects
- • Insomnia if dosed late in the day (anecdotal)
- • Overstimulation, anxiety or headache at higher intakes (anecdotal)
Stop Use If
- Do not combine with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, MDMA or other serotonergic drugs
- Avoid in pregnancy/breastfeeding and with cardiovascular or liver disease
- Discontinue and seek care if signs of serotonin toxicity (agitation, rapid heartbeat, high temperature, tremor) occur
Research Disclaimer
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 9-Me-BC safe for humans?
Unknown. There are no human safety studies, no clinical trials and no human pharmacokinetic data - every safety statement about 9-Me-BC is extrapolated from rodent/cell-culture work or from community anecdote. It is a research chemical (RUO), not an approved supplement or drug.
Is 9-Me-BC an MAO inhibitor?
In vitro, yes - it inhibits MAO-A with an IC50 around 1 uM and MAO-B around 15.5 uM [PMID:32285253]. That potency is why the community treats it with MAOI-style caution: avoid stacking it with SSRIs/SNRIs, other MAOIs or serotonergic supplements, and be mindful of tyramine-rich (aged/fermented) foods. These interactions are theoretical for 9-Me-BC specifically - they have not been formally documented in people.
What does the research actually show?
Dopaminergic, neuroprotective, neurorestorative and anti-inflammatory effects in rodents and cell cultures - including improved spatial learning and higher hippocampal dopamine in rats [PMID:22380576] and restoration of dopamine neurons in an MPP+ Parkinson's model [PMID:20360614]. None of this has been reproduced in humans, so it cannot be assumed to translate.
How do people dose it?
Anecdotally, roughly 5-25 mg once daily by mouth, usually in the morning and often cycled rather than taken continuously. There is no validated human dose - these figures come from nootropic forums, not clinical dosing studies.
Can I take it with my antidepressant?
You should not combine 9-Me-BC with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs or other serotonergic medications. Because it inhibits MAO-A in vitro, combining it with serotonergic drugs carries a theoretical risk of serotonin toxicity. Talk to a clinician; do not self-combine.
Is 9-Me-BC approved or legal as a supplement?
No. It is not an approved drug or dietary supplement and is sold only as a research chemical for laboratory use (RUO). Legal status varies by country.
Research Tools
Related Compounds
View AllAniracetam
NootropicsApproved (Italy)Aniracetam is a pyrrolidinone in the racetam family, developed by Hoffmann-La Roche under the code Ro 13-5057.
Bemethyl (bemitil)
NootropicsApproved (Russia)Bemethyl, known in the Russian literature as bemitil and sold in the region under names including Metaprot, Bemactor and Antihot, is 2-ethylthiobenzimidazole, normally handled as the hydrobromide salt.
Bromantane
NootropicsRussia ApprovedBromantane is an atypical psychostimulant and anxiolytic developed in the 1980s at the Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, originally created as an adaptogen for Soviet military and elite athletic use and later approved in Russia for the treatment of neurasthenic and asthenic disorders under the trade name Ladasten.
Cyclazodone
NootropicsPreclinicalCyclazodone is the N-cyclopropyl derivative of pemoline, a 4-oxazolidinone stimulant.
Dihexa
NootropicsPreclinicalDihexa is a synthetic peptide analogue of the angiotensin IV metabolite LVV-hemorphin-7, developed at Washington State University.
Fasoracetam (NS-105)
NootropicsPhase 2Fasoracetam is a racetam developed by Nippon Shinyaku in Japan under the code NS-105 and taken into clinical development for vascular dementia.
Research Benches
Reference pages that put 9-Me-BC (9-Methyl-β-carboline) next to the compounds people pair it with: roles, evidence, overlap and conflicts. No dosing. Research use only.
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