Hordenine is a chemical compound belonging to the alkaloid family. It is a substance that occurs naturally in certain species of barley, cacti and acacia
– explains Prof. Konrad Rudnicki from the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Lodz.
This compound exhibits stimulating properties. As the scientist emphasises, it affects the nervous and circulatory systems, which may result, among other things, in an increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. This is precisely why the Ministry of Health has imposed a ban on hordenine.
This substance shows stimulating properties, thus affecting the functioning of the nervous and circulatory systems
– says Prof. Rudnicki.
UniLodz scientists among the first to conduct electrochemical studies of hordenine
The team I led was the first in the world to develop an electrochemical method for studying and determining hordenine based on soft phase boundaries. Additionally, the developed research procedure successfully allows for determining the content of this alkaloid in samples of supplements and beer
– underlines Prof. Rudnicki.
The procedure developed in Lodz made it possible to verify how much of this substance is present both in a bodybuilding supplement and in several types of beer, where hordenine occurs naturally. The researchers quickly encountered something concerning. It turned out that the content of hordenine in successive tablets of the same preparation differed significantly.
Our surprise was considerable when it turned out that the content of this substance in each subsequent tablet from the same package was different, ranging from several to several dozen per cent, despite the fact that the manufacturer clearly declares a content of 98% in each capsule on the packaging
– says the scientist.
These results were subsequently independently confirmed in chromatographic studies conducted by a team from the Jagiellonian University.
This indicates the dishonesty of the manufacturer
– assesses Prof. Rudnicki.
Why can this be dangerous?
For individuals who are sensitive or those struggling with abnormal blood pressure or an excessively high pulse, taking this substance may have adverse effects
– notes Prof. Rudnicki, adding that the problem becomes even more serious when each capsule contains a different amount of the active substance.
A lesson in caution
The story of hordenine is also a story about the dietary supplement market – about promises of rapid improvement in concentration, better memory, increased energy and faster fat burning, which are not always accompanied by quality and control.
There is a reason why a supplement does not have the status of a medicinal product
– reminds Prof. Rudnicki.
Consumers should approach such products critically – checking their composition, relying on research, being cautious about marketing promises and remembering that a supplement does not replace sleep, diet or treatment.
Hordenine may sound like just another active ingredient listed on a supplement label. In reality, it is a substance that requires caution, control and reliable knowledge. Such knowledge has been provided, among the first, by scientists from the University of Lodz.
Source: Prof. Konrad Rudnicki, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Lodz
Edit: Kacper Szczepaniak, Centre for Brand Communications
