Dendrobium nobile

What is Dendrobium?

Generally speaking, the name Dendrobium refers to a large genus of orchids. However, in the context of bodybuilding and supplements, this name only refers to a specific species called Dendrobium Nobile, which is also referred to as "the noble Dendrobium". This species has been used for centuries in traditional chemical medicine and has recently attracted the attention of the bodybuilding supplement industry as a result of its reported benefits.

Where does Dendrobium come from?

Dendrobium is native to parts of Asia such as the Himalayas, Nepal, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. As it is a beautiful and decorative species, it is one of the most commonly cultivated orchid species.

Benefits of Dendrobium

Traditionally, Dendrobium is used under the name Shi Hu to treat a myriad of ailments, including problems with the kidneys, lungs and stomach. Dendrobium is also used to treat mild fevers, impotence and even diabetes. Recent animal studies have provided evidence that dendrobium does indeed have antipyretic and analgesic properties. This wide range of activities is due to the large variety of alkaloids present in Dendrobium. Some examples of such alkaloids are dendrobin, denframine, dendroxine and derivatives of phenylethylamine (PEA), which in itself has many benefits, including improving mood.

Benefits of dendrobium for bodybuilders

Despite the well-known benefits of dendrobium in the field of Chinese medicine, this plant extract was virtually unknown in the bodybuilding industry for a long time. Not long ago, the company Driven Sports became aware of the potential of Dendrobium as a supplement ingredient, which led to other supplement companies following suit. This is primarily due to the fact that, in addition to all its other benefits, Dendrobium acts as a central nervous system stimulant - a property that has been known to science since the 1930s. Combined with its pain-relieving properties and the mood-boosting effects of PEA, this makes Dendrobium a very attractive ingredient for use in pre-workout supplements to help the exerciser train harder. In addition, Dendrobium can be used as an ingredient in fat burners to increase metabolic rate and maintain a positive mood.

Disadvantages and side effects

At the moment, it is very easy to find studies on the chemical components of dendrobium. However, there is a lack of information regarding the effects of Dendrobium in humans in a clinical scenario. Such studies would be highly valued and it would be of great interest to the bodybuilding community to have access to information regarding the performance enhancing potential of Dendrobium.

The American Herbal Products Association considers Dendrobium to be safe and harmless when used in reasonable doses. However, as Dendrobium has central nervous system stimulating properties, high doses can be expected to cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety, restlessness and insomnia in sensitive individuals.

Recommended intake

In the field of herbal medicine, the recommended dosage is in the range of 6 to 12 grams. However, as the dendrobium extract contained in supplements is often concentrated and standardized, this means that a smaller amount is apparently used. When using Dendrobium as a pre-workout supplement, it is recommended to take it around 30 to 45 minutes before training. When used to support fat loss, Dendrobium is most helpful when taken first thing in the morning, about 30 minutes before your first meal.

Dendrobium supplements

Dendrobium is available as a mono-preparation. At the moment it is not as widely used an ingredient as caffeine, for example, but it is increasingly appearing as an ingredient in innovative concentrated pre-workout supplements and fat burners.

Combination with other supplements

Dendrobium can be combined with a whole range of other stimulants and thermogenic compounds such as caffeine and green tea extract. Such mixtures are already available as bodybuilding supplements and are probably a better option than a homemade mixture using pure Dendrobium.

References

1. Chen & Chen (1935), The pharmacological action of dendrobine. The alkaloid of Chin-Shih-Hu. JPET, 55: 319-325
2. Hossain (2011), Therapeutic orchids: traditional uses and recent advances - An overview. Fitoterapia, 82: 102-140