Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

N -Methyltyramine

N-Methyltyramine, chemically known as 4-hydroxy-N-methylphenethylamine, is a naturally occurring protoalkaloid with the molecular formula C₉H₁₃NO and a molecular weight of 151.21 g/mol. It serves as an N-methylated derivative of , functioning as a trace amine in biological systems and exhibiting roles in stimulating release to promote and . Found in such as species (up to 0.5% dry weight), aurantium (, comprising 3–4% of protoalkaloids), malted (up to 2 mg/g), and certain cacti, it also occurs in fermented alcoholic beverages like at concentrations around 2 mg/L, arising from microbial activity during production. Biosynthetically, N-methyltyramine is derived from L-tyrosine through decarboxylation to tyramine followed by N-methylation, a process mediated by enzymes such as phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase in animals or tyramine N-methyltransferase in plants like barley. In plants, it can further methylate to form hordenine, contributing to secondary metabolite pathways, while in humans and mice, it appears as an endogenous metabolite involved in metabolic regulation. Its presence in foods and beverages underscores its dietary relevance, with absorption occurring efficiently in the small intestine (>90% in rats) and rapid hepatic metabolism leading to urinary excretion. Pharmacologically, N-methyltyramine acts primarily as an α₂-adrenoreceptor antagonist, inhibiting lipolysis (fat breakdown) and potentially elevating blood pressure through norepinephrine release, though it lacks the direct cardiovascular mimicry of catecholamines like norepinephrine. It stimulates pancreatic and gastric secretions at low doses (e.g., 25 µg/kg in rats), supporting its traditional use in anti-shock treatments alongside synephrine in herbal medicines like Fructus Aurantii immaturus. Safety profiles indicate low toxicity, with LD₅₀ values of 780 mg/kg (intraperitoneal) and 275 mg/kg (intravenous) in mice, and no reported harm to ruminants at dietary levels. Despite these effects, its role in supplements (e.g., from bitter orange extracts) warrants caution due to potential interactions with adrenergic systems.

History

Discovery and Isolation

N-Methyltyramine was first synthesized in 1910 by G. S. Walpole during studies on phenolic amines, although its structure was not fully characterized at that time. Walpole's work involved the identification of related compounds like in botanical sources, hinting at the presence of N-methylated derivatives in certain plant materials. This early observation laid groundwork for later investigations into trace alkaloids in . The compound was isolated and characterized for the first time in 1950 from germinating barley roots (Hordeum vulgare) by Edward Leete, Sam Kirkwood, and Léo Marion. They extracted the from 600 g of roots after 10 days of growth following , yielding 168 mg of pure N-methyltyramine, marking the first natural of this protoalkaloid. This was detailed in their seminal paper in the Journal of the , which emphasized its role as a precursor in alkaloid biogenesis, briefly referencing its formation from in the plant. Initial identification of N-methyltyramine relied on classical techniques followed by chromatographic methods. In , Leete, Kirkwood, and employed solvent and fractional for purification, confirmed by analysis and derivative formation. Subsequent early detections in Acacia species, such as Acacia berlandieri, utilized , , and to separate and identify it alongside and in leaf extracts. These methods established N-methyltyramine's occurrence in diverse botanical sources during the mid-20th century.

Biosynthesis

N-Methyltyramine is primarily biosynthesized through the enzymatic N-methylation of , where (SAM) serves as the methyl donor. This reaction is catalyzed by tyramine N-methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.27), which transfers the methyl group from SAM to the nitrogen atom of , yielding N-methyltyramine, S-adenosylhomocysteine, and a proton. The overall reaction can be represented as: \text{tyramine} + \text{S-adenosyl-L-methionine} \rightarrow \text{N-methyltyramine} + \text{S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine} + \text{H}^+ This pathway is prominent in plants, particularly during the germination of seeds, where tyramine—derived from the decarboxylation of tyrosine—is converted to N-methyltyramine as an intermediate in the formation of more complex alkaloids like hordenine. The biosynthetic role was confirmed in 1953 through isotope labeling experiments showing formation from tyramine in barley seedlings. In barley (Hordeum vulgare) seedlings, two distinct SAM-dependent N-methyltransferases facilitate the stepwise methylation: the first produces N-methyltyramine from tyramine, and the second dimethylates it to hordenine, with activity concentrated in young roots during early growth stages. Similar N-methylation pathways occur in other alkaloid-producing plants, such as species of Acacia, where tyramine serves as the precursor for phenethylamine-derived alkaloids. Secondary biosynthetic routes for N-methyltyramine have been identified in certain fungi and , often involving intermediates that undergo and subsequent N-methylation. In fungi like those producing nonribosomal peptides (e.g., Paramyrothecium and species), dedicated N-methyltransferases such as LcsG catalyze iterative N-methylation starting from -like moieties, incorporating N-methyltyramine into larger metabolites like leucinostatins or xylomyrocins. Bacterial production of trace amines, including N-methyltyramine, follows analogous methylation steps from or precursors, though these pathways are less characterized and typically linked to in soil microbes or fermented food contexts.

Chemistry

Structure and Properties

N-Methyltyramine, also known as 4-[2-(methylamino)ethyl]phenol, is a derivative of featuring a attached to the atom of the side chain. Its chemical formula is C₉H₁₃NO, with a molecular weight of 151.21 g/. The compound appears as colorless plates and exists as a crystalline solid at . It has a of 130–131.5 °C and is soluble in and hot absolute . Spectroscopic analysis confirms its structure: in the ¹H NMR spectrum (D₂O, with DSS as ), the aromatic protons of the para-substituted ring appear at δ 7.24 and δ 6.90 ppm, while the N-methyl group resonates at δ 2.61 (3H), and the methylene groups at δ 3.16 (2H) and δ 2.94 (2H). The spectrum shows characteristic absorptions for the aromatic ring at 1610, 1593, and 1511 cm⁻¹, and for the OH stretch at approximately 3300 cm⁻¹.

Synthesis

N-Methyltyramine can be synthesized through several laboratory methods, with classical approaches focusing on stepwise construction of the backbone followed by selective N-methylation. One early method involves the reduction of 4-hydroxyphenylacetamide to , followed by N-methylation of the primary group using methyl or similar alkylating agents. This two-step process, reported in 1910, yields the target compound after purification, often as the hydrochloride salt, and was pivotal for early physiological studies of the . A synthetic route starts from commercially available 4-methoxyphenethylamine, which is first N-methylated (typically with methyl iodide in the presence of a base) to form N-methyl-4-methoxyphenethylamine, and then undergoes selective O-demethylation using or to afford N-methyltyramine. This method protects the phenolic hydroxyl during N-functionalization and provides a higher overall compared to unprotected routes, making it suitable for preparative scales.

Salts and Basicity

N-Methyltyramine is an amphoteric compound owing to its hydroxyl group, which can donate a proton, and its secondary group, which can accept a proton, leading to distinct equilibria in aqueous solutions. This dual functionality allows the molecule to exist in zwitterionic or charged forms depending on the , with the group exhibiting acidic behavior and the group basic behavior. The values reflect this -base character: the hydroxyl has a of 10.54 (predicted), while the conjugate of the ( ) has a of 9.82 (predicted). These values indicate that at physiological (~7.4), the is predominantly protonated (as RNH₃⁺), while the group remains deprotonated. The basicity of the is governed by the : \text{RNH}_2 + \text{H}^+ \rightleftharpoons \text{RNH}_3^+ where R represents the 4-hydroxyphenethyl group, and the pKa of 9.82 corresponds to the ammonium ion . Common salt forms of N-methyltyramine include the , which is widely used due to its stability and properties. The has a melting point of 141–149 °C and is highly water-soluble, facilitating its use in pharmaceutical and formulations. These salts enhance the compound's handling and by improving in polar solvents compared to the , which has limited (~3.4 g/L, predicted).

Occurrence

In Plants

N-Methyltyramine occurs in various as a involved in pathways, where it serves as an derived from via methylation by enzymes. High concentrations have been reported in , with levels of approximately 0.5% dry weight in seeds. It is also present in germinating (Hordeum vulgare) roots at up to 1960 μg/g and in (Citrus aurantium) at approximately 180 μg/g in ripe fruit. Additionally, it has been isolated from several cacti, including retusus, kotschoubeyanus, and Obregonia denegrii. Quantification of N-methyltyramine in plant extracts typically employs (HPLC) or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), often coupled with (LC-MS/MS) for enhanced in identifying trace levels within complex matrices. These methods allow for accurate measurement of its distribution across plant tissues, confirming its role in species like and .

In Foods and Beverages

N-Methyltyramine occurs in as a result of , with concentrations in commercial samples ranging from 0.59 to 4.61 mg/L. These levels remain stable throughout , , and conditioning, contributing to human exposure in the low milligram range upon moderate consumption. In processed products, N-methyltyramine is present in trace amounts, reaching up to 2 mg/g in malted barley depending on the conditions and type. This compound, derived from used in , exemplifies its dietary presence in fermented grain-based foods. N-Methyltyramine in alcoholic beverages, particularly , acts as a stimulant for release, with containing sufficient levels (around 2 mg/L) to elicit this effect during . For instance, consumption of 750 mL of by a 60 kg individual delivers approximately 25 μg/kg body weight of N-methyltyramine. As a , N-methyltyramine is monitored under standards for fermented beverages like , where regulatory limits on total biogenic amines help mitigate potential risks from accumulation.

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

N-Methyltyramine (NMT) acts as an at trace amine-associated receptor 1 (), a G<sub>s</sub>-coupled receptor expressed in various brain regions and peripheral tissues, where it stimulates to increase intracellular levels. This activation modulates monoaminergic by enhancing the release and inhibiting the of neurotransmitters such as , norepinephrine, and serotonin, with EC<sub>50</sub> values for NMT at human reported in studies ranging from approximately 2–23 μM, comparable to (around 1–10 μM depending on the assay). The potency of NMT at is comparable to that of tyramine but generally lower than β-phenylethylamine, positioning it as a moderate endogenous trace that influences sympathetic tone and functions. NMT also serves as an antagonist at α-adrenoreceptors, particularly the α<sub>2</sub> subtype, with inhibitory effects observed in binding assays using radiolabeled ligands like [<sup>3</sup>H]p-aminoclonidine on mouse brain membranes (IC<sub>50</sub> ≈ 10<sup>-5</sup> M). By blocking presynaptic α<sub>2</sub>-adrenoreceptors on sympathetic nerve terminals, NMT disrupts the autoinhibitory feedback loop that normally attenuates norepinephrine release in response to nerve stimulation. This antagonism thereby potentiates norepinephrine efflux from sympathetic nerves, contributing to elevated sympathetic activity and associated pressor responses in experimental models. In adipocytes, NMT inhibits stimulated , suppressing the breakdown of triglycerides into free fatty acids and more potently than insulin in human primary cells. This effect involves interference with the activation of hormone-sensitive (HSL), a serine phosphorylated by to initiate downstream of β-adrenergic signaling. Although the precise pathway linking NMT to HSL inhibition is not fully characterized, it occurs independently of , which is absent in , and manifests at concentrations relevant to dietary exposure (0.01–1 mM).

Physiological Effects

N-Methyltyramine displays pressor activity, elevating through sympathomimetic effects. In models, intravenous administration at 0.25 mg/kg markedly increases peripheral resistance, while at 0.04 mg/kg/min raises and renal . This compound's pressor potency is approximately 1/140 that of epinephrine, as determined in early pharmacological studies using dogs, where it was characterized as an effective agent for inducing and cardiac stimulation. The compound potently stimulates release, promoting digestive processes. In anesthetized rats, oral doses achieve an ED<sub>50</sub> of ~10 μg/kg for secretion, with maximal effects at 25 μg/kg, sufficient to account for the -releasing activity observed in consumption. This action enhances and nutrient by triggering reflexes that increase pancreatic secretions. N-Methyltyramine exhibits potential antilipolytic effects in , inhibiting fat mobilization. In human adipocytes derived from surgical samples, it suppresses isoprenaline-induced more potently than insulin, significantly reducing release (p < 0.05–0.001) at concentrations of 0.01–1 mM, while showing minimal direct activity itself. These inhibitory properties, mediated partly through α<sub>2</sub>-adrenoreceptor , suggest a role in limiting breakdown and supporting storage, with implications for . As a agonist, N-methyltyramine may contribute to in the , similar to other trace amines.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption and Distribution

N-Methyltyramine exhibits rapid oral absorption primarily in the . In models, over 90% of an orally administered dose (20 mg/kg) is absorbed, predominantly in the , , and . Upon entering the bloodstream, N-methyltyramine distributes extensively and rapidly to various tissues. In rabbits following intravenous administration, the distribution kinetics follow a two-compartment model with an α-phase of 0.3 minutes and a β-phase of 5.6 minutes, reflecting quick equilibration between plasma and tissues. The apparent is 1.79 L/kg, indicating broad tissue penetration facilitated by its moderate lipophilicity ( ≈ 0.48). N-Methyltyramine also penetrates the blood-brain barrier to a limited extent. In mice, radiolabeled tracer studies detected the compound in brain tissue shortly after administration, suggesting potential for effects despite its peripheral predominance.

Metabolism and Elimination

N-Methyltyramine is primarily metabolized via N-demethylation to , followed by oxidative deamination catalyzed by (MAO) enzymes, yielding 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid as the major metabolite. This occurs predominantly in the liver, contributing to its short duration of action. Oral bioavailability of N-methyltyramine is limited by extensive hepatic first-pass , estimated at approximately 50%, resulting in systemic exposure of about 30–50% of the administered dose in models. Absorption exceeds 90% in the , but the pronounced first-pass effect significantly attenuates circulating levels. Elimination is rapid, with a terminal of 5.6 minutes in rabbits following intravenous administration. In these animal studies, over 80% of the radiolabeled dose is recovered in urine within 1 hour, indicating efficient renal clearance primarily as metabolites, with negligible amounts remaining in tissues after this period.

Toxicology

Acute Toxicity

N-Methyltyramine exhibits low in animal models, with reported LD50 values of 780 mg/kg via intraperitoneal administration and 275 mg/kg via intravenous administration in mice. These values indicate a low risk of lethality at typical exposure levels but highlight potential hazards with higher doses, particularly through parenteral routes. It is not considered toxic to ruminants at typical dietary levels. At high doses, N-methyltyramine can induce symptoms such as and , primarily due to its sympathomimetic effects that mimic catecholamine release and elevate cardiovascular activity. These acute responses underscore the compound's pressor mechanism, which contributes to immediate cardiovascular risks in overdose scenarios. Under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), N-methyltyramine is classified as (H302), causing severe skin burns and eye damage (H314), and may cause respiratory irritation (H335).

Safety Concerns

N-Methyltyramine, as a trace amine structurally similar to , may pose a risk of similar to the "cheese effect" when consumed by individuals taking inhibitors (MAOIs), due to its pressor effects that can lead to sudden elevations in through norepinephrine release. This interaction emphasizes the need for caution in patients on MAOI therapy for conditions like . The use of N-methyltyramine in supplements lacks robust supporting its safety or efficacy, with potential adverse effects including elevated reported in limited studies. Furthermore, it is prohibited by the (WADA) under the category of specified stimulants, having been added to the banned list in to prevent its use in competitive sports. N-Methyltyramine is not approved by the U.S. (FDA) for any therapeutic or supplemental use, and in 2024, the FDA classified it as a new dietary ingredient requiring premarket notification due to lack of of safe use. Its presence in dietary products has prompted regulatory warnings due to undeclared inclusion and safety risks. In the , it is monitored as a in foods, with recommended limits for related compounds like generally below 200 mg/kg to mitigate toxicity risks in fermented products.

References

  1. [1]
    Showing metabocard for N-Methyltyramine (HMDB0003633)
    Aug 13, 2006 · N-methyltyramine (NMT) is a phenolic amine. NMT is a potent stimulant of gastrin release present in alcoholic beverages produced by alcoholic ...Missing: biosynthesis | Show results with:biosynthesis
  2. [2]
    A Review of the Receptor Binding and Pharmacological Effects of N ...
    Oct 2, 2014 · N-methyltyramine (4-hydroxy-N-methylphenethylamine; NMT; Fig. 1) is a naturally occurring protoalkaloid that occurs in a variety of plants. For ...Missing: biosynthesis | Show results with:biosynthesis
  3. [3]
    [PDF] an abstract of the thesis of - Oregon State University
    These results confirm that tyrosine is indeed the precursor of tyramine in the biosynthesis of N-methyltyramine and hordenine in barley roots. In 1970 ...
  4. [4]
    [PDF] B-Phenethylamines - Erowid
    A synthesis of N-methyltyramine was described by Walpole (43). Page 5. 320. L. RETI. Corti (48) prepared the base by heating N-methyltyrosine, suspended in.
  5. [5]
  6. [6]
    EC 2.1.1.27 - tyramine N-methyltransferase.
    Reaction: tyramine + S-adenosyl-L-methionine = N-methyltyramine + S-adenosyl-L- homocysteine + H(+).
  7. [7]
    VI. THE FORMATION OF HORDENINE AND N-METHYLTYRAMINE ...
    The specific activity of the N-methyltyramine was about 10 times that of hordenine. From the results it is concluded that tyramine undergoes methylation in the ...
  8. [8]
    Separation of two distinct S-adenosylmethionine dependent N ...
    Hordenine is biosynthesized in young roots of barley by subsequent N-methylation of tyramine. It was shown that two distinct enzymes are responsible for ...
  9. [9]
    The Biogenesis of Alkaloids. I. The Isolation of N-Methyltyramine ...
    Edward Leete, Sam Kirkwood, Léo Marion. THE BIOGENESIS OF ALKALOIDS: VI. THE FORMATION OF HORDENINE AND N-METHYLTYRAMINE FROM TYRAMINE IN BARLEY. Canadian ...
  10. [10]
    Metabolism of the Three Proteogenic Aromatic Amino Acids and ...
    ... synthesis of a variety of antibiotics by bacteria and fungi. ... The formation of hordenine and N-methyltyramine from tyrosine in barley. Can ...
  11. [11]
    Characterization of a methyltransferase for iterative N-methylation at ...
    Jun 22, 2024 · Here, we discover a fungal NMT LcsG for the iterative terminal N-methylation of a family of NRPs, leucinostatins.
  12. [12]
    Trace amine-associated receptors and their ligands - PubMed Central
    Trace amines are also produced in bacteria, fungi, plant cells, and can be found in some foods, most notably chocolate, cheese and red wine (Branchek and ...Biological Amines And Trace... · Figure 2 · Table 1
  13. [13]
    N-Methyltyramine | C9H13NO | CID 9727 - PubChem - NIH
    N-methyltyramine is a member of tyramines. It has a role as a mouse metabolite. It is a conjugate base of a N-methyltyraminium.Missing: biosynthesis | Show results with:biosynthesis
  14. [14]
  15. [15]
    [PDF] Syntheses of p-hydroxyphenylethylalkylamines
    By George Stanley Walpole. The methylamino- and ethylamino-homologues of p-hydroxyphenyl- ethylamine have been prepared in order that their physiological.
  16. [16]
    [PDF] N-Methyltyramine - Isomer Design
    WALPOLE 1910. KIRKWOOD & MARION 1950. Stimulant. SHULGIN 1976. BARGER & DALE 1910 determined that it increased blood pressure in decerebrated cats 1% as much ...
  17. [17]
    Simultaneous quantification of adrenergic amines and flavonoids in ...
    Simultaneous quantification of adrenergic amines and flavonoids in C. aurantium, various Citrus species, and dietary supplements by liquid chromatography.Missing: et al N- Methyltyramine
  18. [18]
    Determination of selected biogenic amines in Acacia rigidula plant ...
    We established a rapid and sensitive LC–MS/MS method for the quantitative determination of several phenethylamine, tyramine and tryptamine derivatives.Missing: barley | Show results with:barley
  19. [19]
  20. [20]
    Biogenic Amines in Alcohol-Free Beverages - MDPI
    Mar 9, 2020 · These regulations are aimed at limiting BA amount in food, so as to protect consumers' health. At the European and extra-European level, maximum ...
  21. [21]
    The emerging roles of human trace amines and ... - ScienceDirect.com
    NMT has been shown to be an agonist of the TAAR1, similarly to its parent compound tyramine. The EC50 of NMT on the human TAAR1 receptor was ∼2 μM, compared to ...
  22. [22]
    Antagonistic effect of N-methyltyramine on alpha2-adrenoceptor in ...
    We examined the effect of N-methyltyramine (NMT) on alpha2-adrenoceptor. NMT (10(-8)-10(-3) M) inhibited the binding of [3H]p-aminoclonidine to ...
  23. [23]
    Multiple Direct Effects of the Dietary Protoalkaloid N-Methyltyramine ...
    It should be the main responsible for the lipolytic action, if any, in humans, of Citrus aurantium extracts claimed to mitigate obesity. ... 2017;180:161–180. doi ...
  24. [24]
    Isolation from beer and structural determination of a potent stimulant ...
    It was identified by means of mass, 1H- and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectral analyses as N-methyltyramine (NMT). The dose of NMT giving maximal gastrin ...<|separator|>
  25. [25]
    Multiple Direct Effects of the Dietary Protoalkaloid N-Methyltyramine ...
    Jul 29, 2022 · ... N-methyltyramine (NMT), synephrine, amphetamine and related derivatives. … ... adipose cells obtained from women undergoing abdominal surgery. NMT ...
  26. [26]
    The emerging roles of human trace amines and human ... - PubMed
    Human trace amine receptors (including TAAR1 TAAR2 TAAR5 TAAR6 TAAR8 ... N-Methyltyramine, N-Methylphenethylamine) in brain. Furthermore, we discuss ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  27. [27]
    Analysis and prediction of absorption profile including hepatic first ...
    ... N-methyltyramine, a potent stimulant of gastrin release present in beer, after oral ingestion in rats by gastrointestinal-transit-absorption model. Drug ...
  28. [28]
    Disposition of N-methyl-[ring-3,5-3H]tyramine in rabbits and mice
    After iv bolus injection of N-methyl-[ring-3,5-3H] tyramine ([3H]MT) 14.8 MBq/kg in rabbits, the plasma concentration-time data was found to be in ...Missing: half- life
  29. [29]
    Showing Compound N-Methyltyramine (FDB000435) - FooDB
    Alkaloid from prosso millet (Panicum miliaceum) N-methyltyramine (NMT) is a phenolic amine. NMT is a potent stimulant of gastrin release present in alcoholic ...
  30. [30]
    p‐Synephrine, ephedrine, p‐octopamine and m‐synephrine
    Feb 26, 2020 · N-Methyltyramine is rapidly absorbed and undergoes N-demethylation to tyramine followed by rapid oxidative deamination. N-Methyltyramine and ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  31. [31]
    [PDF] Safety Data Sheet - Cayman Chemical
    Aug 22, 2024 · Melting point/Melting range: Undetermined. Boiling point/Boiling range: Undetermined. · Flash point: Not applicable. · Flammability: Product ...
  32. [32]
    Biochemistry, Tyramine - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH
    Oct 10, 2022 · Tyramine is a trace monoamine with sympathomimetic properties. It is naturally found in foods, plants, and animals.
  33. [33]
    N-Methyltyramine - Uses, Side Effects, and More - WebMD
    N-methyltyramine is commonly used for weight loss and athletic performance, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
  34. [34]
    FDA Adds N-Methyltyramine and Octopamine to Ingredient Advisory ...
    Jun 25, 2019 · N-Methyltyramine has been prohibited in sport since 2015. N ... It was banned by the WADA as well. It is a metabolite of Synephrine ...
  35. [35]
    <i>N</i>-Methyltyramine, a Gastrin-releasing Factor in Beer, and ...
    N-Methyltyramine (N-MeTA) is known as a gastrin-releasing factor in beer. In this study, the agonistic actions of N-MeTA as well as tyramine (TA)/β- ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  36. [36]
    Carbon Fire, LLC - 664700 - 03/01/2024 - FDA
    Mar 1, 2024 · As such, N-Methyltyramine is subject to the notification requirement in section 413(a)(2) of the Act [21 U.S.C. § 350b(a)(2)] and 21 CFR 190.6.
  37. [37]
    [PDF] commission implementing regulation (eu) 2020/443 - EUR-Lex
    Mar 25, 2020 · (8) The health risks of biogenic amines were evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority ('the Authority') in 2011 (4).Missing: beer FDA