Supplement Reviews

Octopamine

This is a unique and interesting compound that we looked at several years ago. It is actually one of the components of Zhi Shi, which is a Chinese herb that comes from the immature dried fruit of Citrus aurantium commonly referred to as bitter orange. When harvested early in its ripening, Zhi shi is composed of a number of chemical amines including: synephrine, octopamine, hordenine, N-Methyltyramine and Tyramine. A study published in January 2000 concluded that "octopamine could be considered as an endogenous selective beta 3 adrenergic agonist." This could mean it has great potential for fat loss in humans even though the beta 3 receptor seems to be a newer and more unclear area of research. This specific receptor is more potent in animals but may have a function in humans. In fact, this is one of the ways ephedrine helps to burn fat effectively—agonizing beta receptors which leads to great fat burning, heat production, and increased metabolic rate. Some scientists think that the beta 3 receptor is the most powerful and has the greatest fat burning, muscle sparing effects when stimulated. Only further research will tell if this ingredient is the “real deal”.

Back to Supplements Main Page

© 2002-2005 Supplement Research Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.

The content on this site is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a qualified physician.

Please consult a doctor before starting any nutrition, training, and supplementation program.