Higenamine
Higenamine is a chemical found in several plants including aconite, Annona squamosa, Nandina domestica (sacred bamboo), and others. It is now showing up in products promoted as a pre-workout supplement for improving athletic performance. There is also interest in using higenamine for weight loss, cough, asthma, heart failure, and erectile dysfunction.
Benefits of Higenamine
Higenamine stimulates the heart and causes it to beat faster and stronger. It 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.
A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial was conducted on recreational female athletes to assess the influence of higenamine on exercise performance. The study found that 21-day supplementation with higenamine does not result in a statistically significant change in any of the measured outcome variables.
The recommended dosage of higenamine varies depending on the intended use. For pre-workout supplements, doses range from 20-30mg per serving.
Clinical studies in people have reported mild and temporary side effects such as dizziness, heart palpitations, chest congestion, and dry mouth. 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. Minor and short-term adverse effects after the intake of 22.5 µg/kg of higenamine include dizziness, chest congestion, heart palpitations.
Sources:
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1265/higenamine
- https://supplements.selfdecode.com/blog/higenamine/
- https://www.rxlist.com/higenamine/supplements.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8452865/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8838985/
- https://examine.com/supplements/higenamine/
