Health Guide
Isopropyloctopamine
Isopropyloctopamine (often marketed as Octopamine) is a naturally occurring trace amine found in citrus fruits (like bitter orange) and various plants. Chemically related to tyramine, it acts as a mild stimulant and fat-burning agent. Historically popular in sports nutrition and weight loss formulas, it functions by stimulating the release of norepinephrine, which helps mobilize fatty acids from fat cells to be used as energy. While it offers a 'cleaner' energy boost compared to harsh stimulants, its use requires careful attention to dosage and potential interactions.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
VERIFIED SOURCE
Bio-Activity Analysis
Stimulant Intensity Comparison
SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION
Y-Axis
Intensity (Subjective)
Compound →
Health Benefits & Sources
Why You Need It
- Fat Mobilization: Helps unlock stored fat for energy.
- Clean Energy: Provides focus without the heavy jitters of caffeine.
- Appetite Suppression: Can help curb cravings.
Deep Dive
Isopropyloctopamine works by binding to beta-adrenergic receptors. Think of it as a key that tells your body to start burning fuel. Specifically, it encourages lipolysis—the breakdown of triglycerides into free fatty acids. This makes it popular for cutting cycles. Unlike caffeine, which floods the system, Octopamine offers a smoother, more targeted stimulation. It is often found in supplements alongside Synephrine (another citrus extract) for a synergistic effect.
Natural Food Sources
While supplements use concentrated extracts, you can find this compound in nature.
| Food | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Bitter Orange (Seville) | Moderate | ~5-10mg |
| Bergamot Peel | Low | ~2-5mg |
| Mandarin Orange | Trace | Trace |
| Nettles | Low | Trace |
Supplementation
- Typical Dosage: 10mg to 30mg per day.
- Who should take it: Individuals looking for metabolic support or a pre-workout stimulant who are sensitive to caffeine.
- Timing: Take 30-60 minutes before exercise or meals.
Top Food Sources
Bitter Orange
Peel and fruit contain trace amines
Bergamot
Essential oil and rind
Mandarins
Very low concentration
Coffee
Contains caffeine, not Octopamine
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are related compounds often found together in bitter orange. Synephrine is generally more potent.
No. The amounts found in fruit are trace elements. Supplements provide a therapeutic dose.
Unlikely for standard tests, but it can structurally resemble banned stimulants in elite sports testing.
It is legal in the US and many countries, but banned in some (e.g., France) due to safety concerns.
Safety & Side Effects
Safety & Interactions
WARNING: Do not use if you have high blood pressure, heart conditions, or are taking MAO inhibitors.
- Side Effects: Rapid heart rate, anxiety, headache, and nausea.
- Drug Interactions: Can interact with stimulants (like Adderall) and thyroid medication.
- Natural Source Warning: Unlike the supplement, eating whole bitter orange fruit is generally safe, but the rind contains oils that can be harsh on sensitive stomachs.
Scientific References
- [1]Effects of p-synephrine and octopamine on metabolic rate (Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition)
- [2]Beta-adrenergic receptor agonists and lipolysis
- [3]Safety and Efficacy of Octopamine in Dietary Supplements