Adrenochrome: What is it REALLY?

The (true) facts:

The infamous adrenochrome is a chemical compound represented by the molecular formula C9H9NO3. Based on minimal research conducted in the early-to-mid-1900s, scientists agree that the chemical is produced through adrenaline's (epinephrine) oxidation process. Despite having controversy surrounding its presence in humans, adrenochrome's derivative, carbazochrome, is frequently used in hemostatic medications. Prescriptions containing carbazomochrome promote blood-clotting, enhancing the body's emicrocirculatory tone. For patients with diseases causing thin blood or excessive bleeding, carbazomochrome is a potential lifesaver for its ability to induce coagulation. As a product of adrenaline, both chemicals share similar traits and processes-- oxidation.

Despite having a familiar derivative, adrenochrome is widely misunderstood and used in exceptionally different ways. Amidst the 1950s-1960s, several minuscule studies (involving 15 or fewer test subjects) were conducted to understand its effects and uses. Numerous researchers reported the compound's ability to trigger psychotic reactions, including thought disorders and derealization. Schizophrenia in particular was suspicious, as many believe the condition resulted from adrenochrome's presence in human brains. Abram Hoffer, a Canadian biochemist, and Humphry Osmond, a psychedelic therapist, formulated the "adrenochrome hypothesis", speculating that colossal quantities of Vitamin C and Niacin could reduce the brain's adrenochrome, lessening or curing schizophrenia. However, a flaw riddled this theory when the compound was found absent in schizophrenic individuals. Nevertheless, both scientists arduously pursued treatments using colossal amounts of vitamins to contest oxidants resulting in adrenochrome. With little evidence and unsuccessful trials, the American Psychiatric Association quickly shut down Hoffer and Osmond's idea, pronouncing it as an ineffective treatment for mentally ill sufferers.

As the research came to a halt, little information about adrenochrome and its source remains. Few published studies, mostly composed by Hoffer and Osmond themselves, offer some explanation summarizing the operations that produce adrenochrome under a class of several aminochromes. They detail its chemical history, color, and nature without directly stating how the compound affects people or where it can be harvested. Although, adrenochrome is presumed to reside inside the human neurological system, hence the creation of schizophrenia-based theories.

In article dating back to 1990, journal authors of The Adrenochrome Hypothesis and Psychiatry explain how this phenomenon works,

"As a metabolite of adrenaline in the C2 group of adrenergic neurons in the medulla, together with an account of current ideas of the function of these neurons in higher limbic functions."

(A. Hoffer, H. Osmond).

They also explain the trials and errors sparking their belief that adrenochrome can exist inside of our bodies.

"Is adrenochrome made in the body? As soon as scientists discovered adrenalin turned pink in solution it appeared likely that what happened in vitro could also occur in the body... Ideally, final proof would have been gained when adrenochrome crystals extracted from the body are in one’s hand. But because adrenochrome in solution is so reactive it is highly unlikely it can be extracted. "

(A. Hoffer, H. Osmond).

Regardless of our limited knowledge about adrenochrome, it is perceived as an adrenaline-fueled mystery with life-changing potential. Perhaps one day, as science furthers, we will find a use for adrenochrome or better our understanding to prevent psychological and manic disorders.

The (false) myths:

Circulating through the internet are rumors surrounding adrenochrome, giving it a negative connotation. As a result of dramatized books and films picturing the compound as dangerous, many believe that adrenochrome is a menacing substance purchased by the rich. Some go as far as to associate it with drug use, assuming that the oxidized adrenaline enables a "high".

Various conspiracy theorists also believe that strange behaviors seen in celebrities are associated with adrenochrome's presence. They speculate that the substance is injected into a person's veins, resulting in a bizarre demeanor.

However, this is not the worst part-- it is said that adrenochrome is only existent in children's brains when excessive fear is induced. Yes, people believe that terrorizing minors is the origin of C9H9NO3. Though unproven (and never should be), social media platforms have convinced audiences that adrenochrome is hallucinatory physic stemming from torture.

Luckily, none of these twisted ideas are true. Factually, we know that this compound is rare and potentially occupying the human brain, but its effects are presumably harmless. If modern science could effectively examine and reap adrenochrome, Hoffer and Osmond's theories would have been re-evaluated and tested deeper. Instead of encouraging hazardous activity, adrenochrome offers hope for medication development and awareness towards obscure mental conditions.

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Works Cited & Resources:

“Adrenochrome.” ChemEurope.com, www.chemeurope.com/en/encyclopedia/Adrenochrome.html.

Hoffer, A., and H. Osmond. “The Adrenochrome Hypothesis and Psychiatry.” Orthomolecular.org, 1999, www.orthomolecular.org/library/jom/1999/articles/1999-v14n01-p049.shtml.

Kasprak, Alex. “Did Bill Gates 'Admit' Vaccinations Are Designed So Governments Can 'Depopulate' the World?” Snopes.com, 16 Apr. 2020, www.snopes.com/fact-check/bill-gates-vaccinations-depopulation/.

National Center for Biotechnology Information. "PubChem Compound Summary for CID 2557, Carbazochrome" PubChem, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Carbazochrome. Accessed 27 December, 2020.

Smythies, J. The adrenochrome hypothesis of schizophrenia revisited. neurotox res4, 147 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1080/10298420290015827.