Hordenine is a naturally occurring compound found in some species of plants. It has a chemical structure that is similar to phenylthylamines. This compound was observed in the late 1800s when it appeared in the blood serum of horses that were fed freshly sprouted barley. It has since been discovered to have adrenergic properties, which enhanced the physical abilities of animals in laboratory tests.
Hordenine supplementation is popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts as it is believed to help improve their physical performance. Despite the lack of clinical evidence and data to support the claims of hordenine supplement manufacturers, hordenine is fast becoming one of the favorite components in preworkout supplement stacks.
The potential of hordenine as a nootropic is based on its ability to increase energy levels and to improve mental focus and performance. This ability was based on studies that show that hordenine is an effective monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). As an MAOI, hordenine can prevent the breakdown of phenylthylamine and dopamine, two important neurotransmitters in the brain that are believed to be responsible for mood stabilization and in increasing motivation.
These neurotransmitters also show the ability to prevent the onset of depression and anxiety attacks, making the cognitive processes of the brain much more efficient. As a nootropic agent, hordenine is a popular addition to stacked nootropic supplements. In theory, it should go along well in a nootropic stack as a component that can stabilize moods and at the same time provide an extra boost in energy and help in mental focus.
Those who supplement with hordenine report experiencing a stimulating effect from the compound. This claim however, has yet to be proven in clinical studies. Bodybuilders and athletes who regularly supplement with hordenine are sold by the claims of its manufacturers and feel that it helps in enhancing their physical performance. Manufacturers claim that this is the same effect that hordenine has with race horses. Not only are the claims about the horses are untrue, but there also is no clinical data to supporting claims of hordenine as having the ability to improve physical performance.
There are studies on animals though that suggests that hordenine acts as a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. This effect however, was achieved with high doses of hordenine administered intravenously. Studies on hordenine are almost one in saying that hordenine has absolutely no observable effect when it is taken via oral administration. This puts into question existing hordenine supplements that are almost exclusively formulated for oral supplementation. Not only does hordenine supplementation shows some promise of being a useless exercise, but it also has its very own set of side effects. These include diarrhea, allergic reactions, nausea, and dizziness.
PROS
- It is cheap.
- You’ll be in the elite company of individuals who believe, or at least hope, that hordenine actually works.
- It adds bulk to your existing nootropic stack.
- Its placebo effect might do you some good.
CONS
- This supplement may actually be a dud.
- Has absolutely no direct contribution to cognitive enhancement.
- It has its own set of side effects.
- You have to pay for it.
It light of all the clinical evidence showing that hordenine supplementation may just be a waste of time, effort, and money, this review will refrain from giving a supposed daily recommended dosage. Should you wish to try out hordenine just for kicks, it will be best to first consult a medical professional just to make sure you that don’t harm yourself in the process.
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