9-MBC

evidence score

nootropic

Research Only

107 studies

9-Methyl-beta-carboline9-methyl-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole9-MBC

9-Methyl-β-carboline (9-MBC) is a synthetic beta-carboline compound with documented dopaminergic neuroprotective and neurogenic effects in rodent models. Preclinical data shows it increases dopaminergic neuron density in the substantia nigra, promotes neurogenesis, enhances cognitive performance, and protects against MPTP-induced Parkinson's-like neurodegeneration. Popular in experimental nootropic communities for mood, motivation, and cognitive enhancement. Zero human clinical data. Unknown safety profile in humans. No regulatory status — pure research compound. Long-term effects completely unknown. Among the most speculative compounds in the nootropic space.

Evidence

Moderate evidence

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

Preclinical

Research Sync

Feb 19, 2026

Dosing

Typical

15 mg

5 mgRange25 mg

FrequencyOnce daily or every other day; extreme caution — no human data

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Pharmacology

Half-lifeUnknown in humans

OnsetUnknown; animal models show acute behavioral effects within hours

DurationUnknown

Routes

oral

sublingual

Evidence Score

Level B — Moderate

107 studies indexed

Scoring Factors

Volume(40%)~41/100

Quality(30%)~40/100

Sample Size(10%)~100/100

Consistency(10%)~100/100

Replication(5%)~100/100

Recency(5%)~100/100

Scores estimated from study counts. Exact breakdown computed after research sync.

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

9-MBC is currently categorized as a nootropic compound.

Evidence is moderate (67/100): promising signal from 107 indexed studies, but context and population still matter.

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

MAO-A/B inhibitor; promotes dopaminergic neuron proliferation and differentiation; neuroprotective in MPTP Parkinson's models; increases BDNF and GDNF expression (preclinical only)

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

Level D: Serum neurofilament light chains increased significantly in both Vodobatinib groups, supporting inefficacy in PD, and there was a high, dose-related rate of early withdrawal.
Level D: Positive advances in Medicinal Chemistry in the development of novel MAO-B inhibitors are highlighted, both as monotherapies for early-stage PD and as adjuvants to levodopa in advanced disease.
Level D: A broad overview on the use of levodopa in treating Parkinson’s disease is provided, with a focus on the underlying science of the challenges encountered in late stages of the disease.

Elevated caution signals

1 severe/high side effect flag