tyramine
noun
ty·ra·mine
ˈtī-rə-ˌmēn 
: a phenolic amine C8H11NO found in various foods and beverages (such as cheese and red wine) that has a sympathomimetic action and is derived from tyrosine
Examples of tyramine in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Migraine Bananas contain a natural compound called tyramine, an amino acid that forms as the fruit ripens.
—
Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2025
They’re packed with tyramine and histamines, which interfere with melatonin production—your body’s natural sleep hormone.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
Then there are biogenic amines, another fermentation byproduct that contains things like histamine and tyramine, both of which have been linked to headaches.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 20 Nov. 2023
For some people, foods high in substances like tyramine, nitrates, sulfites, and artificial ingredients can trigger head pain.
—Sarah Garone, Health, 16 Apr. 2023
Food preservatives such as MSG, dyes (red dye in particular) and nitrates seem to cause migraines, as well as tyramine, which is present in parmesan and other aged cheeses.
—Risa Kerslake, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2022
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Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2025
They’re packed with tyramine and histamines, which interfere with melatonin production—your body’s natural sleep hormone.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
Then there are biogenic amines, another fermentation byproduct that contains things like histamine and tyramine, both of which have been linked to headaches.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 20 Nov. 2023
For some people, foods high in substances like tyramine, nitrates, sulfites, and artificial ingredients can trigger head pain.
—Sarah Garone, Health, 16 Apr. 2023
Food preservatives such as MSG, dyes (red dye in particular) and nitrates seem to cause migraines, as well as tyramine, which is present in parmesan and other aged cheeses.
—Risa Kerslake, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Tyramine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tyramine. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
tyramine
noun
ty·ra·mine
ˈtī-rə-ˌmēn
: a phenolic amine C8H11NO that is found in various foods and beverages (as cheese and red wine), has a sympathomimetic action, and is derived from tyrosine
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