Health Guide

Octopamine

Ever heard of a natural compound that mimics adrenaline to help you burn fat and stay alert? Meet Octopamine. Found naturally in bitter orange and various plants, Octopamine is a trace amine that acts as a mild stimulant. Unlike harsh synthetic fat burners, it targets specific receptors in your body (beta-adrenergic receptors) to encourage the breakdown of stored fat for energy. It’s a favorite in the fitness world for its ability to boost metabolic rate and focus without the intense jitters often associated with caffeine. Think of it as nature's subtle metabolic ignition switch.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Receptor Activation Strength (Beta-Adrenergic)

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Relative Activity

Compound →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Fat Mobilization: Helps release stored fat from cells to be used as energy.
Metabolic Boost: Can slightly increase your resting metabolic rate.
Focus & Alertness: Acts as a neurotransmitter to sharpen mental clarity.
Energy without Jitters: Provides stimulation often without the crash of high-dose caffeine.

Deep Dive

Octopamine functions primarily as a beta-adrenergic agonist. In simpler terms, it binds to receptors that usually respond to adrenaline and noradrenaline. By stimulating these receptors, specifically the beta-2 adrenergic receptors, it triggers lipolysis—the process of breaking down triglycerides in fat cells into free fatty acids that your body can burn for fuel.

Additionally, Octopamine acts as a trace amine in the central nervous system, influencing the release of norepinephrine. This leads to increased alertness and focus, making it a dual-action ingredient for both body composition and cognitive performance. While naturally found in foods like oranges, the concentrations in supplements are much higher and used specifically for metabolic support.

Natural Food Sources

While Octopamine is available as a supplement, it is naturally present in the peels of citrus fruits and certain plants. However, the amounts in food are generally very small compared to a supplemental dose.

Food Source	Typical Amount	Notes
Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium)	High (in peel extract)	The primary commercial source
Navel Oranges	Trace	Found in the peel and white pith
Tangerines	Trace	Similar to oranges
Potatoes	Trace	Very low levels
Olives	Trace	Found in the brine and fruit

Supplementation

Octopamine is most commonly found in "fat burner" or pre-workout formulas.

Who should take it: Individuals looking for metabolic support or a mild thermogenic boost during weight loss phases.
Typical Dosage: 10mg to 55mg, taken 1-3 times daily. It is often stacked with Synephrine (another citrus extract compound).

Top Food Sources

Bitter Orange Peel

The most concentrated natural source

Navel Orange

Found in skin & pith

Tangerine

Similar profile to orange

Olive

Low concentration

Potato

Negligible amounts

Frequently Asked Questions

No. It is a trace amine found naturally in citrus fruits. It is not a steroid and does not alter hormone levels like testosterone or estrogen.

Generally no, but it can structurally resemble certain banned stimulants. Athletes should check with their specific governing body (WADA) lists, though it is not typically a banned substance.

Yes, they are often stacked together. Caffeine and Octopamine work via different mechanisms and can create a synergistic fat-burning effect. Start with low doses of both to assess tolerance.

Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium) is the fruit. Octopamine is one of the active chemical compounds *extracted* from the fruit.

Safety & Side Effects

Octopamine is generally considered safe for healthy adults at recommended dosages. However, because it stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, it can increase heart rate and blood pressure.

Who should avoid it:

Individuals with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or arrhythmias.
People taking MAO inhibitors (antidepressants).
Pregnant or breastfeeding women (due to lack of safety data).
Those sensitive to stimulants.

Side Effects: Insomnia, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, or headaches if taken in excess or too close to bedtime.

Scientific References

[1]RSA, G. (2007). 'The citrus aurantium (bitter orange) active compound p-synephrine and octopamine.' *Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition*.
[2]Premont, R. T. (2003). 'Trace amine receptors: A new therapeutic target for mood disorders?' *Trends in Pharmacological Sciences*.
[3]Haller, C. A., et al. (2005). 'Hemodynamic effects of octopamine and synephrine.' *Clinical Toxicology*.