Dr. Grey AI

Hordenine

Hordenine is an adrenergic amine found in barley, bitter orange, and various plants. Marketed as a fat burner and stimulant, it acts as a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. REGULATORY WARNING: On FDA Dietary Supplement Ingredient Advisory List since April 2019 - not considered a lawful dietary supplement ingredient. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - extremely limited human research. The compound is structurally related to tyramine and synephrine. Given regulatory concerns, lack of efficacy data, and potential for cardiovascular stimulation, use is not recommended.

Quick Answer

What it is

Hordenine is an adrenergic amine found in barley, bitter orange, and various plants. Marketed as a fat burner and stimulant, it acts as a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor.

Key findings

  • Grade D: Noradrenergic Activity
  • Grade D: Dopamine D2 Receptor Activation
  • Grade D: Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability

Safety

  • REGULATORY WARNING: On FDA Dietary Supplement Ingredient Advisory List since April 2019 - not considered a lawful dietary supplement ingredient.
  • However, a human pharmacokinetic study (n=4) found that peak plasma concentrations after oral beer consumption (12.0–17.3 nM) were too low to provoke direct D2 receptor interaction relevant to food reward, with a short elimination half-life of 53–66 minutes.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Hordenine

Quick Facts: Hordenine

  • Best Evidence:Grade D
  • Conditions Studied:1
  • Research Outcomes:4
  • Key Effect:Cardiovascular Health
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C0
D4
1 conditions · 4 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

D
Noradrenergic Activity
In isolated rat vasa deferentia, hordenine (25 μM) potentiated contractile responses to submaximal noradrenaline and inhibited responses to tyramine, consistent with noradrenaline reuptake inhibition. Hordenine did not directly produce tissue contractions, suggesting indirect sympathomimetic activity rather than direct adrenergic agonism.
small↑Improves
D
Dopamine D2 Receptor Activation
Hordenine has been identified as a dopamine D2 receptor agonist in vitro. However, a human pharmacokinetic study (n=4) found that peak plasma concentrations after oral beer consumption (12.0–17.3 nM) were too low to provoke direct D2 receptor interaction relevant to food reward, with a short elimination half-life of 53–66 minutes.
small↑Improves
D
Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability
An in vitro blood-brain barrier permeability assay classified hordenine as a BBB-permeable (BBB+) compound, suggesting potential for CNS activity. Hordenine was also detected at significant levels (up to 6,357 μg/g dry extract) in commercial Ginkgo biloba products as one of the most abundant tyramine derivatives.
small↑Improves
D
MAO-B Selective Metabolism
In rat tissue, hordenine was shown to be a highly selective substrate for MAO-B and was not deaminated by MAO-A of intestinal epithelium. This selectivity distinguishes it from tyramine, which is a substrate for both MAO isoforms, and has implications for potential interactions with MAO inhibitor medications.
small↑Improves

Evidence by Condition

Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)

DCardiovascular Health
1
↑Noradrenergic ActivityImproves

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