Background

Higenamine is a chemical found in several plants including aconite, asarum, lotus, Lamarck's bedstraw, sacred bamboo, and others. It might be unsafe.

Higenamine works like a stimulant. In some parts of the body it causes tissues to relax. In other parts of the body, such as the heart, it causes tissue to contract. It seems to increase heart contractions and speed up the heart rate.

People use higenamine for athletic performance, obesity, asthma, cough, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Higenamine is found in products promoted as pre-workout supplements, but it's not always listed on product labels. It's also not approved for use in dietary supplements and is prohibited in sports. It is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. Don't confuse higenamine with aconite. These are not the same.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Higenamine is possibly unsafe. Higenamine is one of the main chemicals in a plant called aconite. Aconite has been shown to cause serious heart-related side effects including irregular heartbeat and even death. It is possible that these effects are caused by higenamine.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if higenamine is safe to use when pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Irregular heartbeat: Higenamine might cause a rapid heartbeat. This could make irregular heartbeat worse. If you have an irregular heartbeat, do not take higenamine.

Surgery: Higenamine acts like a stimulant. It might interfere with surgery by increasing heart rate. Stop taking higenamine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

Higenamine is found in pre-workout and weight loss supplements. But it's not approved for use in dietary supplements and isn't always included on product labels. It's also banned in sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and might be unsafe. Consult a healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Higenamine might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Higenamine might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Higenamine might slow blood clotting. Taking higenamine along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Propranolol (Inderal)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Higenamine can stimulate the heart and cause it to beat faster and stronger. Taking propranolol might reduce this effect.

Stimulant drugs

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Stimulant drugs can speed up the nervous system and heart. By speeding up the nervous system, stimulant medications can make you feel jittery and speed up your heartbeat. Higenamine might also speed up the nervous system and heart. Taking higenamine along with stimulant drugs might cause serious problems such as an increased heart rate and high blood pressure.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Higenamine might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
Herbs and supplements with stimulant properties: Higenamine might have stimulant effects. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the chance of side effects, including rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure. Examples of supplements with this effect include 1,3-DMAA, bitter orange, caffeine-containing products, DMHA, and ephedra.

Interactions with foods

Higenamine has a stimulant effect on the heart. Consuming caffeine-containing foods and drinks with higenamine might cause more heart stimulation, which could result in a dangerously fast heartbeat.