EDL1

EDL1 is a proprietary transdermal solution of reserpine for the treatment of depression and depressive disorders, such as bipolar disorder.  EDL1 has been shown in a preliminary pilot study to be very effective in alleviating the symptoms of depression within 48 hours of the first dose.  Anecdotal data has also shown it to be effective in refractory depression, bipolar disorder and alcoholism. 

It has been hypothesized that reserpine prevented the storage of serotonin in the vesicles and thus it could deplete serotonin levels.  More recent research has shown that reserpine increases the activity of MAO-A, 2-fold within 72 hours of administration of a single dose.  Contrary to current belief that serotonin is the active indoleamine on the post synaptic receptor, research has shown that the active neurotransmitter is the 5-Hydroxyindoleacetaldehyde (5-HIAL) that is produced by the deamination of serotonin by monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A).  Thus, the pharmacodynamics of EDL1 is the stimulation of MAO-A activity resulting in increased production of 5-HIAL which stimulates the post synaptic receptor, resulting in the alleviation of symptoms of depression. 

Reserpine also inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase which is the enzyme that metabolizes 5-HIAL into 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) which is excreted in the urine.  Alcohol is often a form of self medication with depressed patients.  The alcohol inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase thus preventing the breakdown of the 5-HIAL and helping to maintain the 5-HIAL on the post synaptic receptor.  Thus, EDL1 has shown anecdotally to have an antidipsotropic effect in alcoholism.  Alcoholics using EDL1 have reported a loss of desire to consume alcohol, probably due to the increased production and maintained levels of 5-HIAL by EDL1.