Octopamine, an ammine in mammals, was isolated and identified for the first time in an octopus gland.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• "Octo-" comes from the Greek word for eight, but in this case it is a reference to the octopus from which the compound was first isolated.
• "-amine" refers to the presence of an amine group in the molecule.

Octopamine is synthesised from tyramine by the enzyme tyramine beta-hydroxylase. Here is a simplified version of the process:

• The amino acid tyrosine is converted to tyramine by the enzyme tyrosine decarboxylase, which removes a carboxyl group from tyrosine.
• Tyramine is then converted to octopamine by the enzyme tyramine beta-hydroxylase, which adds a hydroxyl group to the beta position of tyramine.

This is a simplified version of the process; the actual biosynthesis of octopamine in living organisms involves more complex steps and conditions. 

What it is for and where

It is a neuromodulator with neurotransmitter functions that regulates feeding behavior in insects such as flies and bees.

It is used in diets to lose weight, but its effectiveness has not been scientifically proven to date.

Cosmetics

It is a restricted ingredient as II/21 a Relevant Item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Substance or ingredient reported: Sympathicomimetic amines acting on the central nervous system: any substance contained in the first list of medicaments which are subject to medical prescription and referred to in Resolution AP (69) 2 of the Council of Europe

Octopamine studies

Molecular Formula  C₈H₁₁NO₂

Molecular Weight   153.181 g/mol

CAS  104-14-3

Synonyms :

• 4-Octopamine
• 1-(p-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-aminoethanol
• 4-(2-Amino-1-hydroxyethyl)phenol
• 4-(2-azanyl-1-oxidanyl-ethyl)phenol;hydrochloride
• Benzenemethanol, .alpha.-(aminomethyl)-4-hydroxy-
• Benzyl alcohol, .alpha.-(aminomethyl)-p-hydroxy-
• Norsynephrine
• Norsympatol
• Norsympathol
• Norden
• Norphen