Health Benefits of Hordenine + Side Effects & Dosage

Hordenine is mainly found in barley and bitter orange. For this reason, drinking beer may raise blood hordenine levels. Very limited research in animals and cells suggests it may help increase energy and focus or whiten the skin. However, taking too much hordenine may cause false positives in drug tests and produce a variety of negative side effects. Read below to learn more about this barley compound. What Is Hordenine?

Hordenine, otherwise known as N, N-dimethyltyramine, is an alkaloid mainly found in plants used as feed for animals, such as barley. Indeed, its name comes from the Latin name for barley ( hordeum ) [ 1 ].

It is adrenergic , meaning it causes brain cells to release the neurotransmitters epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) . These neurotransmitters increase energy and focus and are part of the “fight-or-flight” response [ 1 , 2 , 3 ].

Several scandals involving racing horses given food containing hordenine to improve their performance have come to light. However, the slight increase in performance caused by hordenine is deemed insufficient to be considered cheating in most countries [ 1 ].

This is mainly because hordenine’s effects are short-lived and a very high concentration of hordenine is needed to bring about any noticeable effects [ 1 ].

In Canada, however, it is considered illegal and horses are not allowed to eat hordenine-rich diets [ 4 ].

Hordenine can be used to measure beer consumption , as hordenine levels in the blood increase significantly following consumption. For instance, a study suggested its use in forensic toxicology [ 5 ]. Food Sources of Hordenine

The main sources are: Snapshot

Proponents

Potential use to enhance alertness, energy, and focus

Potential use to help with diabetes

Potential use in skincare products

Potential use as antimicrobial

Skeptics

Lack of clinical trials

Unknown safety profile

May cause the buildup of other neurotransmitters

May cause blood pressure fluctuations

May cause seizures

May reduce UV protection

May damage the kidneys

May test positive for opioids

Health Benefits of Hordenine

Animal and Cell Research Lack of Evidence

No clinical evidence supports the use of hordenine for any of the conditions listed in this section. Below is a summary of the existing animal and cell-based research, which should guide further investigational efforts. However, the studies should not be interpreted as supportive of any health benefit. 1) Increasing Alertness, Energy, and Focus

Horses injected with hordenine (intravenously) showed increased alertness within two minutes . A 100% increase in heart and breathing rate accompanied this increased alertness. However, the effect only lasted 20 minutes and wasn’t observed when hordenine was given by mouth [ 4 ]. Hordenine increased response to noradrenaline in rats by 65% . A similar effect was also seen in guinea pigs. Indeed, hordenine didn’t increase alertness by itself, but by preventing noradrenaline removal [ 8 , 9 ].Because hordenine increases response to noradrenaline, some effects of this neurotransmitter, such as increased energy and focus, are possible after hordenine consumption. However, no clinical trials have been conducted [ 10 , 11 ]. 2) Diabetes In diabetic mice, hordenine enhanced the effectiveness of insulin at reducing blood sugar levels before and after a meal. Additionally, it prevented kidney damage by reducing tissue scar, inflammation, and oxidative damage [ 12 ]. 3) Skin Appearance When melanin, a skin pigment, is overproduced, it can cause several skin disorders such as freckles, age spots, and melasma (brown patches on the face) [ 13 ]. Hordenine decreased melanin production in human cells by 30% . It achieved this by inhibiting cAMP production, which is responsible for expressing proteins needed to create melanin [ 13 ]. 4) Antibacterial In test tubes, hordenine prevented the following bacteria that often cause hospital-acquired infections from forming biofilms :Note, however, that these are very preliminary results that haven’t been replicated in humans and even in animals. Further research is needed to determine if hordenine may be of any use in preventing and treating infections caused by these microorganisms. Hordenine Side Effects, Limitations & Dosage Keep in mind that the safety profile of hordenine is unknown, given the lack of clinical studies. The list of side effects below is not a definite one and you should consult your doctor about other potential side effects based on your health condition and possible drug or supplement interactions . 1) May Reduce the Breakdown of Other Neurotransmitters Monoamine oxidase-B ( MAO-B ) inactivates hordenine. MAO-B is responsible for inactivating other neurotransmitters such as dopamine and phenylethylamine. When MAO-B is busy breaking down hordenine, it may cause other neurotransmitters to build up [ 8 , 18 ].Dopamine buildup can cause increased reactivity to stress [ 18 ]. 2) May Cause Fluctuations In Blood Pressure In cats, hordenine initially decreased blood pressure, but this was followed by a large spike. Afterward, blood pressure fluctuated from lower to higher values [ 19 ]. People sensitive to blood pressure changes should probably avoid hordenine . 3) May Cause Seizures Hordenine increased seizures (measured by knee jerks) in cats [ 19 ].It is a cholinesterase inhibitor, meaning it keeps the enzyme cholinesterase from breaking down acetylcholine . Acetylcholine carries the signals from nerve cells, which for instance allows movement. By preventing cholinesterase from breaking down acetylcholine, the body cannot naturally stop moving and may keep convulsing [ 19 ]. 4) May Decrease Protection from UV Radiation Melanin protects human skin by absorbing free radicals and preventing UV damage. Because hordenine may decrease melanin production, it can increase UV damage . In people without melanin overproduction (hyperpigmentation), hordenine may do more harm than good [ 13 ]. 5) May Damage the Kidneys Voles fed high doses of hordenine-containing foods developed damage in a region of the kidneys (the proximal tubules). Glycosuria, a disease in which glucose is released from the kidneys into the urine, occurred in 62% of the voles [ 20 ]. People with kidney issues may want to avoid […]

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