Hordenine

non-nutrient/non-botanical

What is it

Hordenine (N,N-dimethyltyramine) is a phenylethylamine alkaloid naturally found in barley sprouts, some cacti, and bitter orange. It is included in some pre-workout and weight-loss supplements for its purported stimulant and lipolytic effects.

How it works

Hordenine is structurally related to tyramine and other adrenergic compounds. In animal and laboratory studies, it has been shown to act as a selective monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor and may interact with adrenergic receptors and norepinephrine release pathways. The theoretical rationale for supplementation is that it might prolong the action of endogenous catecholamines, contribute to fat mobilization, and enhance mood and focus. Human pharmacology of oral hordenine is poorly characterized. Bioavailability is low (much is rapidly degraded by intestinal MAO), and clinically meaningful effects from typical doses in supplements have not been clearly demonstrated. Most claims rest on mechanistic theory or animal data.

Evidence for 3 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Energy / focus (pre-workout use)

Grade F

Limited evidence

Hordenine is marketed for energy and focus, but well-controlled human studies of isolated hordenine for these outcomes are essentially absent. Most effects attributed to combination products likely reflect their caffeine or other ingredients.

Fat oxidation / weight loss

Grade F

Limited evidence

Laboratory and animal studies have shown effects on lipolysis, but there is no good evidence that supplemental hordenine produces meaningful weight loss in humans.

Mood elevation

Grade F

Limited evidence

Theoretical effects on catecholamines suggest possible mood elevation, but human clinical evidence is lacking.

1 commercial form

Hordenine HCl

Oral bioavailability low due to intestinal MAO breakdown

The most common supplement form, often included in pre-workout formulas.

Dosage

There is no established dose. Supplements typically deliver 25-75 mg per serving. Human evidence does not support a specific effective dose, and higher amounts increase the risk of cardiovascular and adrenergic side effects.

When and how to take it

Most users take it earlier in the day to avoid sleep disturbance, often combined with caffeine in pre-workouts. Avoid stacking with other stimulants. Avoid taking with tyramine-rich foods (aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented products) if also taking any MAO-active medication.

Food sources

Food	Amount	%DV
Barley sprouts	small amounts	—
Bitter orange	trace amounts	—
Some cactus species	variable	—

Safety

Human safety data are limited. Reported or theoretical concerns include elevated heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety, headache, and nausea, particularly when combined with other stimulants or MAO-active substances. Hordenine is banned by some sports anti-doping authorities and has been detected in equine doping cases.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, anxiety, depression, or anyone taking psychiatric, blood pressure, or migraine medications should not use hordenine. Athletes subject to anti-doping testing should avoid hordenine-containing products.

Interactions

Hordenine's possible MAO inhibition raises the risk of dangerous interactions with MAO inhibitor medications, SSRIs, SNRIs, sympathomimetic drugs (decongestants, ADHD medications), other stimulants (caffeine, synephrine), and tyramine-rich foods. Combinations may produce hypertensive crisis or serotonin syndrome.

Frequently asked questions

Does hordenine actually work?⌄

Human evidence is essentially absent. Most marketing claims rely on mechanistic theory and animal studies, not clinical results.

Is hordenine banned in sports?⌄

Yes, by several anti-doping authorities. Athletes subject to drug testing should avoid it.

Can I combine hordenine with caffeine?⌄

Many pre-workouts do this, but combining stimulants increases cardiovascular and side-effect risk. Use caution and avoid stacking multiple stimulants.

Is hordenine safe?⌄

Long-term human safety data are lacking. Theoretical concerns about heart rate, blood pressure, and drug interactions are real, especially in people with cardiovascular issues.

Why is hordenine in pre-workouts?⌄

It is included for its purported energy and focus effects, but the rationale is largely theoretical and standalone human evidence is weak.

References

Hordenine (Wikidata) — Wikidata link
Hordenine (PubChem CID 68313) — PubChem link
Hordenine (ChEBI 5764) — ChEBI link

Track Hordenine with Pilora

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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.