Pharmacology
DrugBankDescription
A sulfur containing essential amino acid that is important in many body functions. It is a chelating agent for heavy metals.
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of the possible anti-hepatotoxic activity of L-methionine is not entirely clear. It is thought that metabolism of high doses of acetaminophen in the liver lead to decreased levels of hepatic glutathione and increased oxidative stress. L-methionine is a precursor to L-cysteine. L-cysteine itself may have antioxidant activity. L-cysteine is also a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione. Antioxidant activity of L-methionine and metabolites of L-methionine appear to account for its possible anti-hepatotoxic activity. Recent research suggests that methionine itself has free-radical scavenging activity by virtue of its sulfur, as well as its chelating ability.
Pharmacodynamics
L-Methionine is a principle supplier of sulfur which prevents disorders of the hair, skin and nails; helps lower cholesterol levels by increasing the liver's production of lecithin; reduces liver fat and protects the kidneys; a natural chelating agent for heavy metals; regulates the formation of ammonia and creates ammonia-free urine which reduces bladder irritation; influences hair follicles and promotes hair growth. L-methionine may protect against the toxic effects of hepatotoxins, such as acetaminophen. Methionine may have antioxidant activity.
Absorption
Absorbed from the lumen of the small intestine into the enterocytes by an active transport process.
Toxicity
Doses of L-methionine of up to 250 mg daily are generally well tolerated. Higher doses may cause nausea, vomiting and headache. Healthy adults taking 8 grams of L-methionine daily for four days were found to have reduced serum folate levels and leucocytosis. Healthy adults taking 13.9 grams of L-methionine daily for five days were found to have changes in serum pH and potassium and increased urinary calcium excretion. Schizophrenic patients given 10 to 20 grams of L-methionine daily for two weeks developed functional psychoses. Single doses of 8 grams precipitated encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis.
Indication
Used for protein synthesis including the formation of SAMe, L-homocysteine, L-cysteine, taurine, and sulfate.
Receptor Profile
Receptor Actions
History & Culture
MET was first documented in scientific literature in 1981, appearing in Michael Valentine Smith's book "Psychedelic Chemistry." The compound subsequently received a brief entry in Alexander Shulgin's 1997 publication "TiHKAL" (Tryptamines I Have Known and Loved), though it did not receive extensive characterization in that work. The substance emerged on the European drug market as a novel designer drug in 2014, marking its first appearance in recreational contexts. By mid-2016, MET had become available through online research chemical vendors, where it continues to be distributed for recreational and entheogenic purposes.
Effect Profile
Curated + 14 ReportsStrong visuals with mild headspace and body load
Duration Timeline
BluelightTolerance & Pharmacokinetics
drugs.wikiTolerance Decay
Cross-Tolerances
Experience Report Analysis
ErowidDemographics
Gender Distribution
Age Distribution
Reports Over Time
Effect Analysis
ErowidEffects aggregated from 14 experience reports (14 Erowid)
Effect Sentiment Distribution
Confidence Distribution
Positive Effects 7
Adverse Effects 1
Real-World Dose Distribution
62K DosesFrom 21 individual dose entries
Smoked (n=15)
Form / Preparation
Most common forms and preparations reported
Redose Patterns
Redosing behavior across 11 reports
Legal Status
| Country | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | NpSG (Controlled) | Controlled under the Neue-psychoaktive-Stoffe-Gesetz (New Psychoactive Substances Act) as of July 18, 2019. Production, import with intent to distribute, administration to others, and trading are punishable offenses. Possession is prohibited but not subject to criminal penalty. |
| Japan | Controlled | Designated as a controlled substance as of March 20, 2023. |
| New Zealand | Class C | Controlled as a structural analogue of DMT under New Zealand's drug legislation. |
| Switzerland | Uncontrolled | Not listed under Buchstabe A, B, C, or D of Swiss controlled substances legislation. May be considered legal for possession. |
| United Kingdom | Class A | Controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 via a generic clause added in 1977 that covers tryptamine derivatives modified by alkyl substitution at the nitrogen atom of the side chain. |
| United States | Unscheduled (Analogue Act may apply) | MET is not specifically scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act. However, it may be considered a controlled substance analogue of DMT or DET, meaning sales for human consumption or possession with intent to ingest could potentially be prosecuted under the Federal Analogue Act. |