DNA repressors and activators interaction with MAO inhibitors.

[Traged]

Hello friends,

I have been casually watching video named "Rewriting DNA for Fun and Profit", as other normal human beings usually do. And there I stumbled on part about Repressor proteins and CAP Protein (Catabolite Activator Protein, also called CRP - cAMP Receptor Protein). Which for some cursed (or blessed?) reason instantly gets me thinking: "I wonder what plants could interact this way with human body to do something beneficial". Now, after quick chat with AFI (artificial friendly intelligence), I got info like this (mind you, its a bit, how do you say "unverified"):

1. Plant Compounds Affecting Repressors (Gene Silencing)

These plant-derived molecules can inhibit oncogenes, reduce inflammation, or slow aging by interacting with repressor proteins.

p53 (Tumor Suppressor) - Activated by Plant Compounds

• Curcumin (from turmeric)
  • Increases p53 activity, leading to cancer cell death.
  • Works by inhibiting HDACs (histone deacetylases), which normally silence p53.
• Resveratrol (from grapes, red wine)
  • Stabilizes p53, helping cells resist cancer.
  • Also activates SIRT1, promoting longevity and stress resistance.
• Sulforaphane (from broccoli, cruciferous vegetables)
  • Boosts p53 by reducing oxidative stress and preventing DNA damage.
  • Also inhibits HDACs, keeping tumor suppressor genes active.

REST (Neuron-Silencing Repressor) - Inhibited for Brain Benefits

• Withanolides (from Ashwagandha)
  • Can reduce REST activity, helping neuron regeneration.
  • May improve memory and slow neurodegeneration (potential Alzheimer's benefit).
• Ginsenosides (from Ginseng)
  • Modulate REST to balance neuronal plasticity.
  • Can prevent excessive REST suppression, protecting against neurotoxicity.

SNAIL (Cancer & Metastasis Regulator) - Suppressed by Plants

• Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) (from Green Tea)
  • Inhibits SNAIL, reducing cancer metastasis.
  • Prevents tumor cells from becoming mobile (anti-metastatic effect).

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2. Plant Compounds Affecting Activators (Boosting Gene Expression)

These compounds activate beneficial genes, improving energy metabolism, stress resistance, and tissue repair.

CREB (cAMP Response Element-Binding Protein) - Boosted for Brain & Metabolism

• Caffeine (from coffee, tea, guarana, cacao)
  • Increases CREB via cAMP stimulation.
  • Enhances memory, learning, and alertness.
• Bacopa Monnieri(Brahmi - used in Ayurveda)
  • Increases CREB in neurons, aiding cognition and neuroprotection.
• Forskolin (from Coleus forskohlii)
  • Directly raises cAMP, activating CREB.
  • Used in fat loss, asthma, and memory enhancement.

HIF-1α (Hypoxia Response Factor) - Activated for Endurance & Healing

• Cordycepin (from Cordyceps Mushroom)
  • Activates HIF-1α, mimicking low-oxygen adaptation.
  • Boosts endurance and red blood cell production.
• Ginkgo Biloba
  • Increases HIF-1α, improving oxygen delivery in the brain.
  • Used for memory, stroke recovery, and circulation enhancement.
• Anthocyanins (from blueberries, purple sweet potatoes)
  • Enhance HIF-1α, aiding blood vessel formation and tissue repair.

MYC (Cell Growth & Repair) - Modulated for Anti-Aging & Cancer Prevention

• Berberine (from Goldenseal, Barberry, Oregon Grape)
  • Lowers MYC, preventing uncontrolled cell growth (anti-cancer effect).
  • Works similarly to metformin, reducing insulin resistance.
• Honokiol (from Magnolia Bark)
  • Reduces MYC, slowing cancer progression.
  • Also modulates dopamine, reducing anxiety.

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Then I inquired about regeneration:

Plant Compounds that Promote Cell Growth & Regeneration

These compounds can stimulate muscle growth, wound healing, nerve regeneration, and overall cellular repair.

a) IGF-1 & mTOR Activation (Muscle & Tissue Growth)

• Shilajit (Mumio)
  • Contains fulvic acid and minerals that boost mitochondrial function, indirectly supporting IGF-1 and mTOR.
  • Used in Ayurveda to enhance recovery, strength, and vitality.
• Ecdysteroids (from Ajuga Turkestanica, Cyanotis Vaga, and Spinach)
  • Natural plant steroids that stimulate protein synthesis via mTOR, promoting muscle growth.
  • Turkesterone and 20-Hydroxyecdysone are popular for athletes.
• Panax Ginseng (Ginsenosides)
  • Supports IGF-1 production, aiding muscle recovery and anti-aging.
  • May also enhance collagen synthesis for wound healing.
• Cissus Quadrangularis ("Bone Setter" Herb)
  • Rich in ketosterones, which promote bone and ligament repair.
  • Enhances collagen synthesis and bone healing.

b) HIF-1α Activation (Oxygen & Blood Flow for Growth)

• Cordyceps Mushroom (Cordycepin, Polysaccharides)
  • Increases HIF-1α, leading to higher red blood cell production and better oxygen delivery.
  • Helps in muscle endurance, wound healing, and adaptation to hypoxia.
• Ginkgo Biloba
  • Improves vascular growth (angiogenesis), supplying nutrients and oxygen to tissues.
  • Used for brain health, wound healing, and circulation enhancement.
• Anthocyanins (from Blueberries, Purple Sweet Potatoes, Black Rice)
  • Activate HIF-1α and VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), promoting blood vessel formation.

c) MYC & CREB Activation (Cell Growth, Brain & Nerve Regeneration)

• Bacopa Monnieri (Bacosides)
  • Boosts CREB, promoting neuronal growth and brain plasticity.
  • Used in Ayurveda for memory, focus, and nerve repair.
• Ashwagandha (Withanolides)
  • Enhances nerve growth factor (NGF), supporting brain cell regeneration.
  • Also reduces cortisol, which can inhibit growth.
• Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericenones, Erinacines)
  • Directly increases NGF, helping nerve regeneration and brain recovery.
  • Used for neuropathy, brain fog, and neuroplasticity.

d) Growth Hormone (GH) Boosting Herbs

• Mucuna Pruriens (L-Dopa, Dopamine Precursors)
  • Increases growth hormone (GH) & dopamine, supporting muscle growth and recovery.
  • Used in Ayurveda for testosterone support and neuroprotection.
• Tribulus Terrestris (Protodioscin)
  • Boosts testosterone and DHT, indirectly promoting muscle growth and tissue repair.
• Maca Root
  • Supports hormonal balance and anabolic processes, helping with energy and recovery.

This got me thinking, that might be not the best idea for complex organism to be wildly affected on DNA level after consuming some random plant. (from evolutionary standpoint) So there has to be something to limit or prevent insane things from happening every time when cattle or some primate eats something. And that would be monoamine oxidase, or MAO. Now, we already know how to inhibit that. Not only we know how and with what you can inhibit MAO. We have gotten somewhat experienced with it.

Therefore as I am too lazy to read many books and do deep research (also somewhat time limited). I inquired again, and our future overlords responded with this:

Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Some of the growth-promoting plant compounds we discussed interact with MAO in different ways:

1. Some compounds are metabolized (broken down) by MAO, reducing their effectiveness.
2. Some compounds inhibit MAO, increasing neurotransmitter levels and possibly enhancing their effects.

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1. Growth-Promoting Compounds That Are Affected by MAO

These compounds rely on dopamine or other neurotransmitters for their effects, so MAO can break them down and limit their benefits:

a) Dopamine-Boosting & Neuroregenerative Herbs

• Mucuna Pruriens (L-Dopa) → Broken down by MAO-B
  • Mucuna contains L-Dopa, a precursor to dopamine.
  • MAO-B breaks down dopamine, so high MAO activity can limit the effectiveness of Mucuna.
  • Taking an MAO-B inhibitor (like selegiline or plant-based options) can extend dopamine activity.
• Rhodiola Rosea (Salidroside, Rosavins) → Partially metabolized by MAO
  • Rhodiola increases dopamine and serotonin, but MAO can degrade these before they have full effects.
  • Inhibiting MAO prolongs the anti-fatigue and mood-enhancing benefits.

b) NGF & Brain Growth Compounds

• Bacopa Monnieri (Bacosides) → May be reduced by MAO
  • Bacopa influences dopamine & serotonin (which are degraded by MAO).
  • MAO inhibitors enhance Bacopa's cognitive and nerve-regenerative effects.
• Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericenones, Erinacines) → Not directly affected by MAO
  • NGF-related compounds are not broken down by MAO, so it does not limit their effects.

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2. MAO Inhibiting (MAOI) Herbs That Enhance Growth Effects

Some plants actually inhibit MAO, meaning they prevent the breakdown of dopamine and other neurotransmitters, which can enhance cell growth, regeneration, and metabolism.

a) Natural MAO-B Inhibitors (Dopamine Protectors)

• Curcumin (from Turmeric)
  • Mild MAO-B inhibitor, protects dopamine, and boosts p53 (anti-cancer, longevity).
• Resveratrol (from Grapes, Red Wine)
  • Inhibits MAO-A & MAO-B, enhancing dopamine and brain function.
• Quercetin (from Onions, Apples, Ginkgo, Green Tea, Capers)
  • Potent MAO-B inhibitor, extends the effects of dopamine and norepinephrine.

b) Traditional MAO-Inhibiting Herbs

• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
  • Mild MAO-A inhibitor, enhances serotonin and dopamine.
• Banisteriopsis caapi (Ayahuasca Vine, Harmala Alkaloids)
  • Strong MAO-A & MAO-B inhibitor, profoundly extends neurotransmitter lifespan.
• Rhodiola Rosea
  • Mild MAO inhibitor, prolongs dopamine effects and reduces stress.

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3. Practical Takeaways

Plant Compound	Effect on Growth	Broken Down by MAO?	Enhanced by MAO Inhibition?
Mucuna Pruriens (L-Dopa)	Boosts dopamine, GH	Yes (MAO-B)	Yes (MAO-B inhibitors extend effects)
Bacopa Monnieri	Brain growth, NGF	Somewhat	Yes (better with MAO inhibition)
Rhodiola Rosea	Stress resilience, brain health	Yes	Yes
Curcumin (Turmeric)	Neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory	No	Yes (it inhibits MAO-B)
Resveratrol	Longevity, vascular growth	No	Yes (it inhibits MAO)
Quercetin	Dopamine enhancer, longevity	No	Yes (MAO-B inhibitor)

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4. Should You Use MAO Inhibitors for Growth?

• If you're using Mucuna (L-Dopa) or Bacopa, a mild MAO-B inhibitor (like Quercetin, Curcumin, or Resveratrol) can enhance their effects.
• If you're looking for stronger MAO inhibition, herbs like Passionflower or Harmala alkaloids can significantly boost neurotransmitter levels, but they can interact with certain foods and medications (e.g., SSRIs, tyramine-rich foods).
• Lion’s Mane, Ashwagandha, and Cordyceps work independently of MAO, so they don’t require MAO inhibition.

But the main question, why do I write this? First of all it is interesting. Second, lets start to enhance our medicine, use plants to their full potential. Heal ourselves and others. I invite you to muse with me, think with me and experiment with me. At some level I am mortified that it is not used on daily basis. I am 30+ years old and I never heard of this, I had to got on the journey with psychedelics to get an idea... and start looking. While I have been ingesting information my whole life...

 

[Traged]

Of course, suggests plants and compounds worth looking into!

 

[Traged]

Now after some thinking, this thread actually connects to food thread I made

It is quite interesting. When thinking about interactions between food and spices - which are commonly used as medicine or entheogens.

For example: black pepper known MAO A and MAO B inhibitor is and food additive/spice that wars were fought over. Spices were always so valuable for humans, its mindboggling. You could argue that reason for it was greed, which would be partially right, however I think that the main reason and even possibility to extract such immense value from spices comes from other place.

Biological and chemical (maybe even evolutional advantage)

Imagine you are alive 1000 years ago. You and your neighbor are ridden with parasites without knowing and most important thing - without knowledge how to get rid of them. But you are in luck, your wife is a great cook and has a great recipe you like. She always made some stew with meat black pepper and salvia officinalis. Your neighbor is not so fortunate and he roasts his lamb over the fire, no pepper no salvia. Over the course of time he drops dead, while you live and maybe thrive.

We use MAO inhibitors in our cooking, we change our body chemistry and enhance other substances we use and take while we at it. By adding complex mix into our food we increase not only nutrient absorption but also healing properties of compounds we use while doing so. We might even activate some genes with food we eat or supplements we take.

I guess it is evolutional thing, our tongues and noses are quite good chemical detectors. While being able to taste nutritional quality of food is good evolutional advantage that picks up quickly I guess, so is acquiring taste buds for compounds that improve your life, heal your body and remove unwanted tenants.

There is no doubt in my mind that while exploring this rabbit hole and not only mixing supplements but also playing around with food recipes, I might find that I cam full circle and created recipe for stew that has been traditional for hundred of years in some place...

Friends, I encourage you to think about this and to throw around any ideas you have. This thing when explored consciously, can have immense health benefits for many people eventually.

 

[DM3]

Great info! Thank you.

 

[Ruffles]

DNA repressors? What is a repressed DNA? Or an active DNA? Needs some serious qualification to make sense.

 

[Traged]

Here it was explained very well I think (I understand no one watched video in the first post :/ ):
timestamped video for your convenience

Basically in presence of a some compounds (there is big amount of them) inactive/active DNA can be disabled or enabled. MAO is preventing them from working (but not 100%) - so with mao you can enhance this...

Its very deep rabbit hole... It is ought to dive in.

 

[Ruffles]

Still, active or inactive or repressed DNA makes no sense. Transcription may be activated but it would be better declared that the promoter of a gene may make it transcriptionally active, which by itself does not mean a lot, since there is a bucket load of downstream events for that transcription to make something or to become a phenotype.

Plus, what tissue or system in the body will have that specific gene transcription activated? If my superficial skin cells transcribe and translate telomerase it won't do anything at all for me or it, best to transcribe more keratin. Induced global transcription is not really a thing and if there is some then it's likely not a good thing as it messes with the whole of the physiological homeostasis.

This sounds a lot like some nefarious cultural appropriation by "alternative medicine". (Yeah, I know this phrase will make waves)