The COMT enzyme is much like the MAO enzyme. It's purpose is to break down neurotransmitters and other look-a-likes. See diagram here of noradrenaline breakdown: http://en.wikipedia....e_breakdown.svg . I'm ADHD, so my norepinephrine is precious.
One problem that I see with natural COMT inhibitors like catechins such as EGCG and bioflavanoids such as quercetin is that they all can cause potential DNA damage by inhibiting Topoisomerase I & II. The thing with catechins is that they tend to be more peripheral, which is good because EGCG is also known to inhibit Dopa Decarboxylase. EGCG is also hurts the folate cycle. Quercetin is probably one of the better ones out there for guys due to its anti-oestrogen properties, but a lot of other polyphenol bioflavanoids are estrogen receptor agonists. However, quercetin does act as an adenosine receptor antagonist, but this effect is over 10x less potent than caffeine and probably negligible when compared to the COMT inhibition effects of increased norepinephrine.
IC50 Values of Common Polyphenols for COMT Inhibition:
I was wondering if there is some type of synergy I can get from taking natural COMT inhibitors, like those above, in order to cut back on the ill effects of EGCG. I have been taking green tea supplements for general energy for a while... 6 months or so. Time to find an alternative to throw in the mix.
Does anyone have any experience with an increase in focus from supplementing with a natural COMT inhibitor?
Also, does anyone know of a natural central COMT inhibitor that does not inhibit the Topoisomerase enzymes?
Edited by devinthayer, 04 July 2011 - 06:50 AM.