Hordenine: Stimulant Alkaloid from Barley
⚡ 60-Second Summary
Hordenine (N,N-dimethyltyramine) is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in germinated barley, some grasses, and certain cacti. It acts primarily as an indirect sympathomimetic — it can promote norepinephrine release and inhibit its reuptake, producing mild stimulant effects.
Claimed uses include fat burning, energy, focus, and appetite suppression, often in combination with other stimulants. Human clinical evidence is virtually absent; most data come from animal or in vitro studies.
Safety is a genuine concern. Hordenine is structurally similar to synephrine and may share cardiovascular risks. Regulatory bodies in several countries have flagged it; the FDA does not recognize it as GRAS when used as an isolated supplement ingredient.
What is Hordenine?
In barley, hordenine exists in small amounts and has traditional food use. As a concentrated extract, however, the pharmacological profile changes. It inhibits MAO (monoamine oxidase) at higher concentrations, which raises significant interaction risk.
Hordenine is often stacked with phenylethylamine (PEA) because it slows PEA breakdown, extending its effect — but this also magnifies the cardiovascular load. Products containing both can produce rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure.
Evidence-based benefits
Stimulant / energy
Anecdotally reported as a mild energy booster; no controlled human trials confirm this at supplement doses.
Fat burning
Animal data suggest possible thermogenic or lipolytic effects, but human evidence does not exist.
MAO inhibition
At higher concentrations, hordenine inhibits MAO-B, which may amplify effects of co-ingested amines — a risk, not a benefit.
Supplement forms compared
| Form | Typical dose / Bioavailability | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isolated extract | Variable | Unknown | Main form in supplements; potency and purity vary widely |
| Barley germination extract | Variable | Unknown | Lower concentration than isolated form; less stimulant risk |
How much should you take?
- No established safe dose exists; human dose-response studies are absent.
- Typical supplement label doses range 25–50 mg, but these are not evidence-based.
Given the absence of safety data and regulatory concerns, no dosing recommendation can be made. Erring on the side of avoidance is prudent.
Safety and side effects
Common side effects
- Elevated heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Headache
Serious risks
Hordenine may pose serious cardiovascular risk when combined with other stimulants, MAO inhibitors, or sympathomimetic drugs. People with hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, thyroid disease, or anxiety disorders should avoid it. Combination with caffeine, synephrine, DMAA, or DMHA substantially increases risk.
Drug and nutrient interactions
- MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, selegiline) — hordenine itself inhibits MAO; combination may cause hypertensive crisis
- Stimulant medications (amphetamines, pseudoephedrine) — additive cardiovascular effects
- Beta-blockers, antihypertensives — may antagonize or unpredictably interact
- Phenylethylamine (PEA) — hordenine extends PEA activity; combination amplifies cardiovascular load
Check our free interaction checker for additional combinations.
Who might benefit — and who should use caution
| Most likely to benefit | Use with caution or seek guidance |
|---|---|
| Healthy athletes seeking performance | Lacks evidence; risk not justified by potential benefit |
| Anyone with heart conditions | Avoid — significant cardiovascular risk |
| People taking any stimulant medications | Avoid — interaction risk is high |
| Anyone seeking weight loss | No meaningful human evidence; safer alternatives exist |
Frequently asked questions
Is hordenine legal?
It is not a controlled substance in most jurisdictions, but several sports anti-doping organizations and regulatory agencies have questioned its safety. The FDA does not consider it GRAS as an isolated supplement ingredient.
Can hordenine help with fat loss?
There is no credible human clinical evidence supporting this use. Animal data exist but do not translate reliably to humans.
Is hordenine safe?
Human safety data are essentially absent. It carries cardiovascular risk, especially when combined with other stimulants.
Why is it combined with PEA?
Hordenine inhibits MAO-B, slowing the breakdown of phenylethylamine (PEA) and extending its stimulant effect. This also amplifies cardiovascular risk.
Should I take hordenine?
Most health professionals would advise against it given the absence of safety data and meaningful evidence of benefit.
Related ingredients
Synephrine
Another sympathomimetic with overlapping risks
Caffeine
Often combined with hordenine in stimulant blends
Phenylethylamine (PEA)
Frequently co-formulated with hordenine
DMAA
Banned stimulant with similar risk profile
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or take prescription medications. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.