Hordenine Hydrochloride
Also known as: Hordenine, N,N-Dimethyltyramine, Hordenine hydrochloride
Overview
Hordenine hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt form of hordenine, a naturally occurring phenethylamine alkaloid primarily derived from barley (*Hordeum* species). It is categorized as a stimulant and nootropic, often marketed for cognitive enhancement and weight loss due to its purported ability to boost metabolism. Hordenine acts as an indirectly acting adrenergic agent, leading to increased norepinephrine levels in the body. While it shows potential benefits in animal studies, the available evidence in humans is scant, with a notable lack of systematic reviews, signifying a need for further research into its effectiveness and safety.
Benefits
Animal studies indicate that hordenine may enhance cardiovascular parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure, as well as improve peripheral blood flow. Possible additional benefits include the inhibition of gut motility and increased gastrin release. However, these effects lack robust confirmation in human studies, and no specific populations have been identified as particularly benefitting from hordenine supplementation. The clinical significance of the observed effects remains undefined due to the absence of human efficacy data.
How it works
Hordenine functions primarily by inducing the release of stored norepinephrine, which subsequently activates adrenergic receptors, leading to stimulatory effects on the cardiovascular system. It also appears to inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine. The resulting stimulation can affect heart rate and gastrointestinal activity. However, effective absorption of hordenine is limited when taken orally, similar to other phenethylamines, with more pronounced effects reported through parenteral routes.
Side effects
Hordenine is generally regarded as safe for healthy individuals but poses potential risks since long-term use safety data is lacking. Animal studies have shown possible cardiovascular effects, such as elevated blood pressure and heart rate, although these have not been demonstrated reliably in humans. At very high doses, severe toxicity including respiratory distress and paralysis may occur. Caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, and it is recommended that pregnant or breastfeeding women refrain from using hordenine due to insufficient safety data. Drug interactions may also arise with other stimulants.
Dosage
The commonly suggested dosage of hordenine hydrochloride is around 30 mg taken two to three times daily, especially prior to exercise to maximize potential performance benefits. However, optimal dosage ranges are not well-defined due to limited human research. There is currently no established maximum safe dose for human consumption, and the poor oral bioavailability of hordenine means that absorption factors should be considered when determining effective dosage.
FAQs
Is hordenine safe to use?
Generally considered safe for healthy adults, hordenine may pose cardiovascular risks and lacks data on long-term use.
What is the best time to take hordenine?
It is typically recommended to take hordenine before exercise to enhance potential energy and performance.
Can hordenine help with weight loss?
While marketed for weight loss, significant evidence supporting its effectiveness in humans is lacking.
Are there any side effects?
Potential side effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure, though extensive human side effect data is limited.
Do I need to take any cofactors with hordenine?
There are no specific cofactors required for hordenine use, but oral absorption may be poor.
Research Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hordenine – This entry discusses hordenine's classification, sources, chemical properties, and potential effects, noting its stimulant characteristics and limited human research.
- https://osf.io/mepkc/?action=download – This study file reviews hordenine's pharmacological effects in various animal models, highlighting its action as a cardiovascular stimulant.
- https://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/2017-0069.pdf – This report evaluates the safety and biological effects of hordenine, emphasizing concerns related to its cardiovascular stimulatory effects in animal studies.
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mozaniel-Oliveira/publication/378212232_Medicinal_Plants_-_Chemical_Biochemical_and_Pharmacological_Approaches/links/65e75823c3b52a1170171d52/Medicinal-Plants-Chemical-Biochemical-and-Pharmacological-Approaches.pdf – This publication includes sections on various alkaloids including hordenine, discussing its chemical properties, pharmacology, and potential health applications based on existing evidence.
- https://drugs.ncats.io/drug/575FR6P9I9 – This resource outlines hordenine's chemical details and summarizes its pharmacological actions, predominantly derived from animal model findings.
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