Harmaline vs LSD
A side-by-side research comparison of Harmaline and LSD across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Harmaline | LSD |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Harmaline (harmala alkaloid) | Lysergic acid diethylamide |
| Category | Psychedelics | Psychedelics |
| Status | Natural alkaloid; research compound | Schedule I (research compound) |
| Mechanism | Inhibits the enzyme MAO-A, which lets oral DMT work; also has mild psychedelic and sedative effects of its own. | Activates serotonin 5-HT2A receptors (and others), changing perception, mood and the way brain networks communicate. Effects last much longer than most psychedelics. |
| Molecular weight | 214.26 g/mol | 323.43 g/mol |
| Half-life | Several hours | ~3-5 hours |
| Bioavailability | Oral | Oral |
| Typical dose | Varies by individual and setting | 100-200 mcg in clinical trials |
| Frequency | Occasional | One to a few supervised sessions |
| Route | Oral | Oral, in a supervised therapeutic setting |
Harmaline reported benefits
- Enables oral DMT (ayahuasca)
- Studied in ethnobotany
- Natural harmala alkaloid
- Dreamy effects at higher doses
LSD reported benefits
- Studied for anxiety in serious illness
- Explored for depression and addiction
- Long duration allows deep therapeutic work
- Renewed clinical research interest
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Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.