1-Methylnicotinamide
1-Methylnicotinamide (trigonellamide) is a prototypic organic cation. 1-Methylnicotinamide is the methylated amide of Nicotinamide (niacinamide, vitamin B). 1-Methylnicotinamide is an endogenic substance that is produced in the liver when Nicotinamide is metabolized. It is a typical substance secreted in the kidney. Occurrence. The highest natural concentration of 1-methylnicotinamide found so far is in the alga "Undaria pinnatifida". 1-Methylnicotinamide is also present in the Judas' ear fungus and in green tea. Extraction and production. 1-Methylnicotinamide can be produced in the liver by nicotinamide "N"-methyltransferase. The reaction takes place during the metabolism of NAD  (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). NNMT (nicotinamide "N"-methyltransferase) is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the "NNMT" gene. NNMT catalyzes the methylation of nicotinamide and similar compounds using the methyl donor "S"-adenosyl methionine (SAM-e) to produce "S"-adenosyl--homocysteine (SAH) and 1-methylnicotinamide. "NNMT" is highly expressed in the human liver. Use. For a long time, 1-methylnicotinamide was considered a biologically inactive metabolite of nicotinamide. However, various studies show antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective and vasoprotective properties. 1-Methylnicotinamide is an endogenous activator of prostacyclin synthesis and can therefore regulate trombolytic and inflammatory processes in the cardiovascular system. It inhibits  platelet-dependent thrombosis through a mechanism involving cyclooxygenase-2 and prostacyclin and increases nitric oxide bioavailability in the endothelium. Animal experiments with diabetic rats have shown that 1-methylnicotinamide has a positive effect on degenerative changes in the brain and cognitive performance can be thus longer maintained. Experiments with the nematode "Caenorhabditis elegans" showed that the addition of 1-methylnicotinamide can extend their lifespan. This may possibly be attributed to increased free radical binding and the resulting reduced oxidative stress. 1-Methylnicotinamide is used in cosmetic products such as hair- and skincare products and as a dietary supplement. 1-Methylnicotinamide 1