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Limited evidenceWeight management

Hordenine

A phenylethylamine alkaloid from barley sprouts, added to fat burners on the theory that it prolongs stimulant effects. There is no human trial of hordenine for weight, appetite or energy.

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What the science says

  • Human weight or appetite effects Limited evidence

    No randomized trial in humans has tested hordenine for body weight, fat loss, appetite or energy expenditure. The marketing rationale is entirely mechanistic.

  • Adrenergic activity Limited evidence

    Laboratory screening identified hordenine among food-derived compounds with beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist activity in cell systems. Cell-level activity does not establish an effect at the doses found in supplements.

  • Pharmacology in animals Limited evidence

    The most detailed pharmacokinetic and behavioural work on hordenine was done in horses, where it produced cardiovascular and locomotor effects at injected doses. Oral bioavailability in humans is expected to be poor because monoamine oxidase degrades it in the gut.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo studied human dose. Supplement labels typically list 25–100 mg per serving, chosen without trial support.
SafetyHuman safety data are essentially absent. As a monoamine it may raise blood pressure and heart rate, and combining it with MAO inhibitors is potentially dangerous. It can trigger positive results in doping and workplace amine screens. Avoid with cardiovascular disease, in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and alongside antidepressants.

How to take it

TimingMarketed as pre-workout, but there is no human data supporting any timing.
With food?With or without food; nothing is established either way.
Worth knowingHordenine can produce a positive on amphetamine-class screens, which matters for drug-tested athletes and safety-sensitive jobs.

Interactions

With medications

  • MAO inhibitors

    Hordenine is a monoamine broken down by MAO; blocking that enzyme can allow a sharp pressor response. do not combine

  • stimulant medication and decongestants

    Additive increases in heart rate and blood pressure. do not combine without medical supervision

With other supplements

  • caffeine, synephrine and other stimulants

    Hordenine is sold in stimulant blends and adds to their cardiovascular load. do not stack stimulants

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does hordenine help with weight loss or energy?

No human trial has tested hordenine for body weight, fat loss, appetite or energy, so the evidence is limited and entirely mechanistic. Oral hordenine is expected to be poorly absorbed because monoamine oxidase breaks it down in the gut.

Can hordenine cause a failed drug test?

Yes, hordenine can produce a positive result on amphetamine-class and doping amine screens, which matters for drug-tested athletes and safety-sensitive jobs.

Is hordenine safe?

Human safety data on hordenine are essentially absent; as a monoamine it may raise blood pressure and heart rate. Do not combine hordenine with MAO inhibitors, and avoid it with cardiovascular disease, antidepressants, in pregnancy and alongside other stimulants.

How much hordenine is in fat burners?

Fat burner labels typically list 25–100 mg of hordenine per serving, a figure chosen without trial support. There is no studied human dose of hordenine.

Scientific references

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