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N-methyltyramine

Synonyms: 4-hydroxy-N-methylphenethylamine

What is N-methyltyramine (NMT)?

N-Methyltyramine (NMT), which is also known as 4-hydroxy-N-methylphenethylamine, is a stimulant that has become quite popular as an ingredient in pre-workout products and fat loss supplements. This ingredient is chemically similar to other compounds such as octopamine, hordenine, synephrine and phenylethylamine and is made from the amino acid tyrosine. N-Methyltyramine is considered a neurotransmitter and has a number of benefits for bodybuilders and athletes.

Where does N-methyltyramine (NMT) come from?

N-methyltyramine is found in various plants. It was first extracted from barley and as a result of the use of barley in brewing, beer is relatively rich in N-methyltyramine. N-methyltyramine is also widely found in Acacia species including Acacia rigidula and is also found in Citrus Aurantium, also known as bitter orange (1).

Benefits of N-methyltyramine

N-Methyltyramine is used as a stimulant and to improve focus. It can exert these effects by stimulating the release of noradrenaline. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter involved in the "flight or fight" response and improves concentration, speeds up the heartbeat and causes vasoconstriction (2). N-Methyltyramine also acts as a weak alpha-2 adrenoreceptor antagonist, which means that it prevents the degradation of adrenergic, dopaminergic and serotogenic neurotransmitters, thereby increasing the activity of these neurotransmitters, which play a role in mood and energy (3).

N-methyltyramine can increase the secretion of insulin and the hormone gastrin, which increases intestinal motility and the secretion of digestive juices by the pancreas (4).

Benefits of N-methyltyramine (NMT) for bodybuilders

The improved focus and increased energy make N-Methyltyramine a good ingredient for pre-workout supplements. N-Methyltyramine is often used as a substitute for the now banned DMAA.

N-Methyltyramine (NMT) side effects, safety and disadvantages

N-Methyltyramine is not a particularly well scientifically studied compound and what we do know is based on a small amount of rodent studies and studies conducted with similar compounds including the precursor molecule Tyramine. N-methyltyramine is often added to products to support weight loss, although there is evidence that this compound inhibits fat loss and stimulates the release of pancreatic hormones such as insulin and gastrin, which can stimulate appetite (5). On the other hand, the stimulant effect of N-methyltyramine may suppress appetite and it is possible that this compound may have desirable effects on appetite in some people, but not necessarily in others. In addition to this, the effects of N-methyltyramine as a stimulant have also been questioned as N-methyltyramine, like tyramine, has a low fat solubility and is therefore unlikely to cross the blood-brain barrier. In addition, N-methyltyramine has a short half-life and must undergo a conversion step before it can cause the release of noradrenaline. N-methyltyramine is degraded to octopamine, an inactive analog of noradrenaline. Octopamine is taken up by the synaptic vesicles instead of norepinephrine, where it reduces the amount of neurotransmitter released, meaning that regular use of high doses of N-Methyltyramine could reduce the normal norepinephrine response.

People who use monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which are used in the treatment of depression and other conditions, should avoid N-methyltyramine and related compounds because of the risk of acute hypertensive attacks (6). N-methyltyramine has been identified as a cause of headaches and migraines in some people (7).

N-methyltyramine (NMT) dosage recommendation and timing of intake

There is no official dosage recommendation for N-methyltyramine, but 200 mg is the dosage commonly used in supplements. For maximum effect, N-Methyltyramine should be taken about half an hour before training.

N-Methyltyramine (NMT) Supplements

N-Methyltyramine is found in some of the strongest pre-workout products and fat burners.

Combinations of N-Methyltyramine (NMT) with other supplements

N-Methyltyramine combines very well with other ingredients in pre-workout products such as creatine, BCAAs and pump boosters. It also combines well with other stimulants and could increase their effects. N-Methyltyramine is being touted as the new DMAA and should therefore be used responsibly.

References

  1. T. A. Smith (1977). "Phenethylamines and related compounds in plants." Phytochem. 16 9 - 18.
  2. Camp BJ. Action of N-methyltyramine and N-methyl beta-phenylethylamine on certain biological systems. Am J Vet Res. 1970 Apr;31(4):755-62.
  3. Koda H, Yokoo Y, Matsumoto N, Suwa Y, Fukazawa H, Ishida H, Tsuji K, Nukaya H, Kuriyama K. Antagonistic effect of N-methyltyramine on alpha2-adrenoceptor in mice. Jpn J Pharmacol. 1999 Nov;81(3):313-5.
  4. Yokoo Y, Kohda H, Kusumoto A, Naoki H, Matsumoto N, Amachi T, Suwa Y, Fukazawa H, Ishida H, Tsuji K, Nukaya H. Isolation from beer and structural determination of a potent stimulant of gastrin release. Alcohol Alcohol. 1999 Mar-Apr;34(2):161-8.
  5. Stohs SJ, Hartman MJ. A Review of the Receptor Binding and Pharmacological Effects of N-methyltyramine. Phytother Res. 2015 Jan;29(1):14-6.
  6. Sathyanarayana Rao TS and Vikram K. Yeragani VK (2009) Hypertensive crisis and cheese Indian J Psychiatry. 51(1): 65-66.
  7. D'Andrea, G; Nordera, GP; Perini, F; Allais, G; Granella, F (May 2007). "Biochemistry of neuromodulation in primary headaches: focus on anomalies of tyrosine metabolism". Neurological Sciences. 28, Supplement 2 (S2): S94-S96.