Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Hordenine is a phenethylamine alkaloid found naturally in barley, bitter orange, and certain cacti, acting primarily as a substrate for monoamine oxidase (MAO) and a weak adrenergic receptor agonist. Its proposed stimulant and fat-burning effects stem from structural similarity to synephrine and tyramine, though no human clinical trials currently validate these mechanisms.
CategoryNamed Bioactive Compounds
GroupCompound
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary Keywordhordenine supplement
Synergy Pairings3
Hordenine — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Hordenine is a naturally occurring alkaloid first isolated in 1906 from germinated barley (Hordeum vulgare) seeds, from which it derives its name. It occurs widely in cereal seedlings (barley ~0.2%, sorghum ~0.1%, proso millet ~0.2%) and cacti species (notably Trichocereus candicans at 0.5-5.0%). As a phenethylamine alkaloid (C₁₀H₁₅NO), it is produced in plants through stepwise N-methylation of tyramine.
“First isolated by Arthur Heffter in 1894 from the cactus Anhalonium fissuratus (naming it 'anhalin'), hordenine was later found in barley by E. Léger in 1906. Despite occurring naturally in cereals consumed for millennia, no evidence of deliberate traditional medicinal use is documented. The compound has various historical synonyms including anhalin and cactine, reflecting its diverse plant sources.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
The research reveals a complete absence of human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses examining hordenine's efficacy or safety. Available literature consists primarily of phytochemical reviews (PMID: 24257763 on biosynthesis) and plant-based antibacterial studies (PMID: 30609368, 30128579). No human pharmacokinetic, safety, or efficacy data exists in the scientific literature.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
No clinically established dosage ranges exist for hordenine in humans. Natural dietary intake occurs through barley consumption (containing ~2000 μg/g in seedlings, ~3363-4066 μg/g in malt roots). Dietary supplements include hordenine for athletic performance and weight loss, but no standardized extract concentration or recommended dose is documented in scientific literature. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Hordenine (N,N-dimethyltyramine) is a phenethylamine alkaloid, not a conventional nutrient — it contains no meaningful macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, or fiber. It is a trace alkaloid found naturally in barley malt (Hordeum vulgare) at concentrations of approximately 0.2–0.4 mg/g dry weight, and in smaller amounts in sprouted grains and certain cacti. As a compound, it functions primarily as a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor and indirect adrenergic agonist. Bioavailability data in humans is essentially absent; animal studies suggest oral absorption occurs, but first-pass metabolism and MAO-mediated degradation likely limit systemic exposure. It is not a source of caloric energy, essential amino acids, or micronutrients in any practical dietary quantity. Its bioactive relevance stems entirely from its alkaloid pharmacology rather than nutritional contribution.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Hordenine (N,N-dimethyltyramine) acts as a substrate and inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B), potentially slowing the degradation of catecholamines such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, thereby prolonging their activity at adrenergic receptors. It demonstrates weak agonism at beta-2 adrenergic receptors, which theoretically could increase cyclic AMP (cAMP) and promote lipolysis or mild bronchodilation. In vitro and animal studies also suggest inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake transporters (NET), though the concentrations required have not been demonstrated achievable through oral supplementation in humans.
Clinical Evidence
No peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials in humans have evaluated hordenine as an isolated supplement for any health outcome, including athletic performance, weight loss, or cognitive enhancement. Antibacterial activity has been documented in plant cell systems and in vitro bacterial assays (PMID: 30609368, PMID: 30128579), but these findings have not been translated into human clinical research. Pharmacokinetic data from humans is essentially absent, meaning effective oral dosage ranges, bioavailability, and plasma half-life remain undefined. The totality of evidence for hordenine's efficacy in humans is currently insufficient to support any therapeutic claim.
Safety & Interactions
Hordenine is a MAO inhibitor substrate, meaning concurrent use with MAO inhibitor medications (e.g., phenelzine, selegiline) or other serotonergic/adrenergic compounds could precipitate hypertensive crisis or serotonin syndrome. As a structural analog of tyramine, individuals sensitive to dietary tyramine — including those with migraines or on MAOIs — face elevated risk from hordenine-containing products. No formal safety studies, teratogenicity data, or pregnancy/lactation guidelines exist, making its use contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals by default. Products combining hordenine with caffeine, synephrine, or other stimulants (common in pre-workout formulas) amplify cardiovascular risks including tachycardia and elevated blood pressure.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
N,N-dimethyltyramine4-hydroxyphenethyldimethylamineAnhalinPeyocactinN-methylcandicine4-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)phenolDMAE tyramine
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hordenine found in naturally?
Hordenine (N,N-dimethyltyramine) occurs naturally in germinating barley (Hordeum vulgare), bitter orange peel (Citrus aurantium), peyote cactus (Lophophora williamsii), and certain grass species. Barley sprouts are the most commercially relevant source, and hordenine concentrations in barley can reach approximately 0.04–0.1% dry weight depending on germination stage.
Does hordenine actually burn fat or help with weight loss?
There are no human clinical trials demonstrating that hordenine causes fat loss at any dose. The theoretical basis involves weak beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonism and MAO-B inhibition, which could in theory elevate catecholamine levels and stimulate lipolysis, but these mechanisms have only been observed in isolated cell systems or animal models at concentrations not confirmed achievable through oral supplementation.
Is hordenine safe to take as a supplement?
Hordenine lacks formal human safety data, including toxicology studies, dose-escalation trials, or long-term follow-up research. Its MAO-inhibiting properties create a clinically significant interaction risk with prescription antidepressants, stimulants, and tyramine-rich foods. Until rigorous safety trials are conducted, supplemental hordenine should be considered of unknown safety profile, particularly for individuals with cardiovascular conditions or those taking any psychoactive medications.
How does hordenine differ from synephrine?
Both hordenine and synephrine are phenethylamine alkaloids derived from bitter orange, but synephrine carries a hydroxyl group at the beta-carbon position, making it a more potent direct adrenergic receptor agonist, particularly at alpha-1 and beta-3 receptors. Hordenine is N,N-dimethylated tyramine and exerts more of its activity indirectly through MAO inhibition and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition rather than direct receptor binding. Synephrine has marginally more human research behind it, though both lack robust clinical evidence.
Can hordenine show up on a drug test?
Hordenine itself is not a controlled substance and is not typically screened for on standard WADA, military, or workplace drug panels. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) does monitor phenethylamine derivatives, and because hordenine can be metabolized to tyramine and structurally resembles amphetamine-class compounds, there is a theoretical risk of cross-reactivity on immunoassay screens. Athletes subject to anti-doping oversight should consult their governing body before using any hordenine-containing product.
What does clinical research actually show about hordenine's effectiveness?
Clinical research on hordenine in humans is essentially non-existent; most claims are based on theoretical mechanisms derived from its structural similarity to phenethylamines rather than proven effects. While some in vitro and plant-based studies suggest potential antibacterial or metabolic properties, these findings have not been replicated in human trials. Current evidence quality for hordenine is considered absent or extremely limited, making it difficult to separate marketing claims from genuine biological activity.
Does hordenine interact with common medications or supplements?
Hordenine's potential stimulant properties suggest it may theoretically interact with medications affecting the sympathetic nervous system (such as decongestants, certain antidepressants, or blood pressure medications), but no formal drug interaction studies exist in humans. As with any sympathomimetic-like compound, caution is warranted when combining hordenine with stimulants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or other mood-altering medications. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining hordenine with prescription medications, as individual responses remain unpredictable due to lack of clinical data.
Who should avoid taking hordenine supplements?
Individuals with cardiovascular conditions, hypertension, anxiety disorders, or sensitivity to stimulants should avoid hordenine due to its theoretical sympathomimetic effects, even though human safety data is limited. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid hordenine as no safety studies exist in these populations. Additionally, people taking psychiatric medications or those prone to adverse reactions from stimulants should consult a healthcare provider before use, given the uncertainty surrounding hordenine's actual physiological impact.
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