N,N-Dimethyltyramine
See Hordenine.
Archive for February, 2009
Hordenine
A biogenic amine found in a number of plants, including barley and several species of cacti. It’s alleged to be beneficial for fat/weight loss, due to its ability to stimulate the release of norepinephrine, although there is no research to confirm this claim. Hordenine (or “peyocactin” – as it was known) has antibiotic activity and was shown to inhibit the activity of penicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
The chemical name for hordenine is N,N-Dimethyltyramine. Hordenine is also found in trace amounts in Citrus aurantium (bitter orange).
Dandelion
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is an edible and medicinal plant used in alternative medicine. Dandelion root extract is used to treat digestive disorders and improve liver function. Dandelion leaf extract is often added to weight loss supplements as a natural diuretic.
See: “Dandelion & Dandelion Root: Benefits and Side Effects” for more information.
Uva Ursi
Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi or “bearberry”) is a shrub used in alternative medicine to treat urinary tract infections and cystitis (bladder inflammation). Uva ursi is often added to weight loss and “detox” supplements, due to the herb’s diuretic and anti-bacterial effects.
See “Uva Ursi Review & Information” for additional details.
Mucuna pruriens
Also known as Velvet Bean. Mucuna pruriens is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac and treatment for nervous disorders. Velvet bean is used as an alternative treatment in Parkinson’s Disease, as it’s high in l-dopa, the precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Mucuna pruriens allegedly increases growth hormone output, although this claim (which appears in a patent) needs to be substantiated.
Rhaponticum carthamoides
Also known as Leuzea carthamoides and maral root. A medicinal plant used in Russian and Eastern Europe as an adaptogen. Rhaponticum is an herbal source of 20-beta-hydroxyecdysterone.
