Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Aegeline is a protoalkaloid compound found in Aegle marmelos (bael fruit) that primarily works through monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) inhibition and Akt pathway modulation. Research shows potential antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and glucose metabolism effects, though evidence remains limited to preclinical studies.
CategoryNamed Bioactive Compounds
GroupCompound
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary Keywordaegeline benefits
Synergy Pairings3
Aegeline — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Aegeline is a bioactive alkaloidal-amide compound isolated from the leaves and fruits of Aegle marmelos (Bael tree), native to India and Southeast Asia. It is extracted from plant materials using isolation techniques and characterized through NMR and mass spectrometry.
“While Aegle marmelos is used in Ayurvedic medicine, the research dossier provides no specific information about traditional or historical uses of aegeline itself. The compound's traditional applications remain undocumented in available sources.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on aegeline. All available evidence comes from preclinical studies including a reserpine-induced pain-depression mouse model (n=5 per group) where 10 mg/kg oral aegeline reduced MAO-A activity and inflammation markers (PMID: 33521442).
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
No clinically studied human dosages available. Preclinical studies used 10 mg/kg orally in mice for pain-depression models and 30-300 mg/kg for pharmacokinetic studies. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Aegeline (N-[2-hydroxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-3-phenyl-2-propenamide) is a purified alkaloid compound, not a whole food ingredient, and thus has no conventional macronutrient or micronutrient profile. It is not a source of protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, fats, vitamins, or minerals. As a bioactive alkaloid, it is the sole relevant compound of interest. Aegeline is naturally found in the leaves of Aegle marmelos (bael tree) at trace concentrations estimated in the range of 0.01–0.1% dry weight of leaf extract, though precise standardized concentrations vary by extraction method. Molecularly, it has a MW of 299.37 g/mol and features a phenylpropanoid-cinnamate backbone with a methoxyphenyl ethanolamine moiety. Oral bioavailability data in humans is largely absent; preclinical pharmacokinetic data suggest moderate lipophilicity (logP approximately 2.5–3.0), which may facilitate passive membrane permeability, but first-pass metabolism and absolute bioavailability have not been formally characterized in human studies. Synthetic or semi-synthetic aegeline used in research and some supplement products is typically present at doses of 1–25 mg per serving. Notably, aegeline gained regulatory attention after being identified in OxyELITE Pro supplements linked to acute liver injury cases (2013 FDA investigation), underscoring that safety and bioavailability data at supplemental doses remain critically understudied in humans.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Aegeline inhibits monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) enzyme activity, which increases levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. The compound also activates Akt phosphorylation pathways, enhancing glucose transporter (GLUT4) translocation and cellular glucose uptake. Additionally, aegeline suppresses pro-inflammatory markers including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).
Clinical Evidence
Current research on aegeline is limited to preclinical animal models and in vitro cell culture studies. Mouse studies demonstrated reduced depression-like behaviors in forced swim tests following aegeline administration. Anti-inflammatory effects were observed in rodent models with measurable reductions in IL-6 levels. No human clinical trials have been conducted to validate these preliminary findings or establish effective dosing protocols.
Safety & Interactions
Safety data for aegeline supplementation in humans is currently unavailable due to lack of clinical studies. As a MAO-A inhibitor, aegeline may potentially interact with antidepressant medications, particularly SSRIs and MAOIs, creating risk for serotonin syndrome. Individuals taking diabetes medications should exercise caution due to potential glucose-lowering effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid aegeline supplements due to insufficient safety data.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
N-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-3-phenylprop-2-enamideBael alkaloidAegle marmelos alkaloidAegeline alkaloid-amideStone apple alkaloid
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical dosage of aegeline supplements?
No standardized human dosage exists for aegeline as clinical trials have not been conducted. Preclinical studies used varying doses in animal models, but these cannot be directly translated to human recommendations.
Can aegeline interact with antidepressant medications?
Yes, aegeline's MAO-A inhibitory activity could potentially interact with antidepressants, especially SSRIs and MAOIs. This combination may increase risk of serotonin syndrome, requiring medical supervision before use.
How long does it take for aegeline to show effects?
The onset time for aegeline effects in humans is unknown since no clinical studies exist. Animal studies showed behavioral changes within hours to days of administration.
Is aegeline safe for people with diabetes?
Aegeline may affect glucose metabolism through Akt pathway activation, potentially lowering blood sugar levels. Diabetics taking glucose-lowering medications should consult healthcare providers before use to avoid hypoglycemia.
What foods naturally contain aegeline?
Aegeline is primarily found in Aegle marmelos (bael fruit), particularly in the fruit pulp and leaves. The compound concentration varies significantly based on fruit ripeness and plant part used.
What does current research show about aegeline's effectiveness in humans?
Most evidence for aegeline comes from preclinical studies using animal models and in vitro cell cultures, with limited human clinical trials to date. Research suggests potential benefits for mood support through MAO-A inhibition, inflammatory response reduction, and neuroprotection, but these findings require confirmation in rigorous human studies before firm efficacy claims can be made. The gap between animal and human evidence means aegeline should be considered an emerging ingredient rather than an established therapeutic agent.
Who should avoid aegeline supplementation?
People taking SSRIs, SNRIs, or other serotonergic medications should consult a healthcare provider before using aegeline due to potential MAO-A inhibition effects and serotonin interaction risks. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid aegeline as safety data in these populations is absent. Individuals with uncontrolled hypertension or those following a strict low-tyramine diet should also exercise caution due to theoretical interactions with MAO inhibition.
How does the bioavailability of aegeline affect its potential effectiveness?
Aegeline's oral bioavailability and absorption characteristics in humans have not been well-documented, which creates uncertainty about how much active compound reaches systemic circulation from supplemental doses. The in vitro and animal model studies showing benefits do not clarify whether standard oral supplementation achieves comparable tissue concentrations in humans. Without pharmacokinetic data in human subjects, it remains unclear which supplement forms (extract types, standardization levels) would be most bioavailable.
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