Compound Monograph
Hordenine
Hordenine is a phenethylamine alkaloid found in barley, cacti and other plants, sometimes used as a stimulant supplement.
Classification
Hordenine is a phenethylamine alkaloid, part of the alkaloids class. Nitrogen-containing, often bitter and physiologically potent compounds — the group behind many of the strongest plant medicines and poisons.
Where Does It Come From? (5)
Hordenine is a naturally occurring phenethylamine alkaloid, found in Barley, Peyote, San Pedro cactus and 2 other sources. It is flagged as moderately toxic.
Research & Evidence
Hordenine is a simple phenethylamine alkaloid, structurally an N,N-dimethyl derivative of tyramine. It occurs naturally in germinating barley (and therefore in some malt products), in mescaline-bearing cacti such as peyote and San Pedro, and in a range of other plants. It has mild sympathomimetic and indirect adrenergic properties and is sold as an ingredient in some pre-workout and “fat-burner” supplements, where it is promoted as a stimulant, though robust evidence for meaningful effects in humans is limited.
Toxicity & Safety
Hordenine can raise heart rate and blood pressure through its sympathomimetic action, and like other tyramine-related amines it may interact dangerously with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. People with cardiovascular conditions should be cautious with supplements containing it.