← hubDrugs

SAM-e

Discover related
Class
Dose
Duration

2 sources

← All substances
🔗 MergedComparePsychonautWikiPharmacology

Collated from PsychonautWiki, Pharmacology. Where sources differ (e.g. dosing), Compare shows them side by side.

Sections
NootropicNitrogenous organic acidPW

Also known as S-Adenosyl Methionine, SAM-e, Methylguanidoacetic AcidPW

Addiction potentialPW
not habit-forming with a low potential for abuse

Oral

Route dataPsychonautWiki

Dose
WeakerStronger
ThresholdLightCommonStrongHeavy
200 mg400–800 mg800–1200 mg1200–1600 mg1600 mg+
02000 mg
LightCommonStrongHeavy
Duration
ShorterLonger
Onset100–180 minutes
OnsetCome-upPeakOffset

Mechanism of actionPH

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a natural substance present in the cells of the body. It is a direct metabolite of the essential amino acid L-methionine. SAMe plays a crucial biochemical role in the body by donating a one-carbon methyl group in a process called transmethylation. SAMe, formed from the reaction of L-methionine and adenosine triphosphate catalyzed by the enzyme S-adenosylmethionine synthetase, is the methyl-group donor in the biosynthesis of both DNA and RNA nucleic acids, phospholipids, proteins, epinephrine, melatonin, creatine and other molecules.

PharmacodynamicsPH

S-adenosylmethionine is an intermediate metabolite of methionine. Its involvement in methylation assists in cellular growth and repair, maintains the phospho-bilipid layer in cell membranes. It also helps in the maintenance of the action of several hormones and neurotransmitters that affect mood. Highest concentration are found in the brain and the liver.

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionPH

S-Adenosylmethionine is absorbed from the small intestine following oral intake. As absorption is affected by food, it is best to take on an empty stomach. Bioavailability is low following oral intake.

MetabolismPH

Significant first-pass metabolism in the liver. Approximately 50% of S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is metabolized in the liver. SAMe is metabolized to S-adenosylhomocysteine, which is then metabolized to homocysteine. Homocysteine can either be metabolized to cystathionine and then cysteine or to methionine. The cofactor in the metabolism of homocysteine to cysteine is vitamin B6. Cofactors for the metabolism of homocysteine to methionine are folic acid, vitamin B12 and betaine.

Fact-sheets from PsychonautWiki. Harm-reduction reference only — not medical advice.