MOLECULE

Hordenine

Hordenine belongs to the class of organic compounds known as phenethylamines. Phenethylamines are compounds containing a phenethylamine moiety, which consists of a phenyl group substituted at the second position by an ethan-1-amine. Hordenine, a strong basic compound, is a colorless solid that is soluble in organic solvents. Hordenine is biosynthesized by the stepwise N-methylation of tyramine, which is first converted to N-methyltyramine by tyramine N-methyltransferase and then is methylated to hordenine (PMID: 24257763). Hordenine exists in all living organisms, ranging from plants to humans. It is found in highest concentrations with barley (Hordeum species), from which its name is derived. Hordenine is also found in cannabis plants (PMID:6991645). Several varieties of plants in the family Cactacea (cacti) produce hordenine which, as a potent phenylethylamine alkaloid, has antibacterial and antibiotic properties (PMID: 30609368; PMID: 30128579). Hordenine has been found in several different foods, such as cereals and cereal products, corns, oats, sweet oranges, and tamarinds making it a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. People consuming beer brewed from barley will have higher levels of hordenine. However, hordenine in urine interferes with tests for morphine, heroin and other opioid drugs (PMID: 1618458). Hordenine is widely sold as an ingredient of nutritional supplements, with the claims that it is a stimulant of the central nervous system and can promote weight loss by enhancing metabolism.