Dendrobine

PhytochemicalAlkaloid

What is it

Dendrobine is the principal sesquiterpene alkaloid in Dendrobium nobile, an orchid used in traditional Chinese medicine ('shi hu') for nourishment of yin and stomach.

How it works

Dendrobine has shown effects in animal and cell studies including modulation of acetylcholine release, anti-inflammatory action, and influence on neuronal signaling. Specific human clinical data on isolated dendrobine are limited; supplements supply it as part of whole Dendrobium extracts.

Dosage

No standardized dose for isolated dendrobine. Dendrobium extracts standardized to alkaloid content are typically dosed at 100-500 mg/day.

When and how to take it

No formal timing guidance.

1 commercial form

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Dendrobium nobile extract

Whole-extract products in Chinese herbal preparations.

Alkaloid content variable by source

Safety

Limited human safety data on isolated dendrobine. Dendrobium-containing sports supplements have at times been adulterated with stimulant compounds unrelated to dendrobine; choose third-party tested products.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited data. Stimulant-sensitive individuals should be cautious with Dendrobium products generally.

Interactions

Possible additive effects with cholinergic medications based on preclinical activity. No specific drug interactions are documented.

Frequently asked questions

What is dendrobine?⌄

The main alkaloid in Dendrobium nobile, an orchid used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Is it safe?⌄

Specific data are sparse. Choose verified products as Dendrobium supplements have been subject to adulteration concerns.

References

Dendrobine on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Dendrobine (ChEBI:4400) — ChEBI link

Dendrobine (PubChem CID 442523) — PubChem link

Dendrobine on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Dendrobine (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.