bernard Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If you are postulating that adrenaline
> (epinephrine) is the active ingredient there are a
> number of problems. The biggest one is that
> epinephrine is ineffective if eaten because it is
> rapidly destroyed in the liver by monoamine
> oxidase. Second, although epinephrine is made in
> the brain area it is distributed to the various
> organs (heart, lungs, digestive tract, muscles,
> etc.) where it acts in the "flight or fight"
> response the concentration in the brain is very
> small.
>
>
> Bernard


I don't know enough about it. The studies that I briefly reviewed involved injected epinephrine, but there is a whole slew of neuro-transmitter compounds that, if weren't directly reactive, then may well be precursors or inhibitors. Certainly the analgesic and stimulant properties of coca leaves aren't neutralized by the liver. Of course, the leaves aren't 'eaten' are they?