Acacia Rigidula
Also known as: Acacia rigidula Benth., Blackbrush acacia, chaparro prieto, Acacia rigidula
Overview
Acacia rigidula is a shrub native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Extracts from its leaves are used in dietary supplements, primarily marketed for weight loss and energy enhancement. The plant contains multiple biogenic amines, including phenethylamine derivatives such as β-methylphenethylamine (BMPEA), which is structurally similar to amphetamine and may have stimulant properties. However, the presence of BMPEA in A. rigidula supplements is controversial and not consistently confirmed across studies. Research on A. rigidula itself is limited, with most data coming from chemical analyses rather than clinical trials. The evidence base for its efficacy and safety is sparse and inconclusive. It is sometimes marketed as a weight-loss or stimulant ingredient, but its chemical composition, particularly regarding BMPEA, raises significant safety concerns.
Benefits
There is no high-quality clinical evidence, such as randomized controlled trials with adequate sample sizes, demonstrating clear benefits of Acacia rigidula extracts or BMPEA for weight loss or other health outcomes. While the stimulant-like amines in A. rigidula may theoretically increase metabolism or suppress appetite, this is not supported by robust human data. No systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically on A. rigidula supplementation efficacy were identified. Some related Acacia species show pharmacological activities like antioxidant, antimicrobial, or anti-spasmodic effects, but these findings do not directly translate to A. rigidula or its marketed extracts, and there is no evidence to suggest these benefits apply to human supplementation with A. rigidula.
How it works
The primary bioactive compounds in Acacia rigidula are biogenic amines such as β-methylphenethylamine (BMPEA), phenethylamine, tyramine, and tryptamine derivatives. BMPEA, a positional isomer of amphetamine, may act as a central nervous system stimulant by promoting the release of monoamines like dopamine and norepinephrine. The exact pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of these compounds from A. rigidula extracts are not well characterized. The theoretical stimulant effects may be mediated through adrenergic receptor pathways, but direct evidence of this mechanism in humans consuming A. rigidula extracts is lacking.
Side effects
Significant safety concerns exist for Acacia rigidula due to the presence of BMPEA, which is chemically similar to amphetamine and may pose serious cardiovascular risks. The FDA has issued warnings about supplements containing BMPEA due to potential adverse effects and a severe lack of safety data. Common side effects are not well documented but could include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and central nervous system stimulation, similar to amphetamines. There is a considerable risk of adulteration or mislabeling, as some supplements labeled as containing A. rigidula have shown variable and sometimes high levels of BMPEA, which may be synthetic rather than naturally derived from the plant. No well-controlled safety trials meeting rigorous criteria have been conducted or found for Acacia rigidula. Due to its stimulant properties, it may interact negatively with cardiovascular medications, stimulants, and other drugs affecting the central nervous system. Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, high blood pressure, anxiety disorders, or those taking prescription medications should avoid this supplement.
Dosage
There are no established or evidence-based dosing guidelines for Acacia rigidula extracts or BMPEA. Supplements vary widely in BMPEA content, from undetectable to tens of milligrams per gram, making consistent dosing impossible. Due to significant safety concerns, the lack of efficacy data, and regulatory scrutiny, no recommended or safe dose can be confidently provided. Any consumption carries an unknown risk profile. There are no known upper limits or safety thresholds established for human consumption of Acacia rigidula or its constituent compounds.
FAQs
Is BMPEA naturally present in Acacia rigidula?
Some analytical studies have detected BMPEA in plant extracts, but other research suggests that BMPEA found in supplements may be a synthetic additive rather than naturally derived from the plant.
Is Acacia rigidula safe to use?
The safety of Acacia rigidula is uncertain. The FDA has issued warnings about supplements containing BMPEA due to potential cardiovascular risks and a lack of safety data, advising against its use.
Does Acacia rigidula work for weight loss?
There is no reliable clinical evidence from human trials supporting the efficacy of Acacia rigidula for weight loss or any other health outcome. Claims are largely theoretical and unproven.
Can Acacia rigidula cause amphetamine-like effects?
BMPEA, a compound found in some Acacia rigidula supplements, is structurally similar to amphetamine and may have stimulant effects, but human data on these effects from the supplement are lacking.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24176750/ – This analytical chemical study developed an LC-MS/MS method to detect BMPEA in plant material and supplements. It found BMPEA in supplements labeled as A. rigidula and noted that BMPEA can be misidentified as amphetamine, highlighting variable amine profiles in supplements. The study focused on chemical analysis and did not include clinical data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9658407/ – This review summarized the pharmacology of various Acacia species, noting their diverse bioactive compounds and potential pharmacological effects like antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, it did not provide specific clinical data on Acacia rigidula, indicating that findings from other species do not directly translate to its clinical effects.
- https://blog.priceplow.com/supplement-ingredients/bmpea – This source summarizes regulatory and analytical reports concerning BMPEA. It highlights the controversy surrounding BMPEA's presence in supplements and details FDA warnings due to safety concerns, emphasizing that there is no approved use for BMPEA in dietary supplements.
