Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Higenamine Hydrochloride

Q: Is higenamine safe to take?

Higenamine is not recommended due to potential cardiovascular risks and is prohibited in sports.

Q: When should I take higenamine?

It is advised not to take higenamine due to its safety concerns and the lack of established dosage guidelines.

Q: What results can I expect from higenamine?

Expected results remain unclear due to a scarcity of clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy.

Q: Is higenamine effective for weight loss?

While believed to aid in weight loss, conclusive evidence from high-quality studies is lacking.

Also known as: Higenamine, Norcoclaurine, Demethylcoclaurine, Higenamine Hydrochloride

Overview

Higenamine, also known as Norcoclaurine, is a stimulant derived from various plants such as *Nandina domestica*, *Aconitum carmichaelii*, and *Nelumbo nucifera*. It is commonly utilized in dietary supplements as a substitute for banned stimulants like DMAA and ephedrine. Higenamine serves primarily in weight loss and as a stimulant in pre-workout formulations. As a partial beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, it can lead to increased heart rate and vasodilation, though the available research is largely observational and lacks comprehensive clinical trials on its efficacy and safety for human use.

Benefits

Higenamine may carry potential stimulant effects, such as increased heart rate and physical performance enhancement due to its interaction with beta-2 adrenergic receptors. Limited evidence suggests potential anti-asthmatic and cardiotonic benefits, but these are not well-supported by rigorous studies. The lack of clinical trials results in an uncertainty regarding specific populations that may benefit, while effect sizes and clinical significance remain poorly documented.

How it works

Higenamine operates primarily as a partial beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, leading to increased heart rate and possible bronchodilation. It interacts with the cardiovascular system by promoting vasodilation and enhancing heart function. However, the precise absorption and bioavailability in humans remain insufficiently studied.

Side effects

Higenamine is associated with a range of cardiovascular side effects, including increased heart rate and palpitations, occurring in more than 5% of users. Less common side effects (1-5%) may include chest pain and tachycardia, with rare instances (<1%) of severe outcomes such as cardiac arrest reported in case studies. Due to its inclusion on the WADA prohibited list, athletes face heightened risks. Individuals with cardiovascular conditions should use caution, and the stimulant's interactions with beta-blockers further exacerbate safety concerns.

Dosage

No established minimum effective dose for higenamine exists, and its optimal dosage ranges remain undetermined, as its use is generally not recommended due to safety considerations. There are no upper limits or specific timing guidelines due to ongoing safety concerns surrounding its use, and absorption factors have not been well-explored in clinical settings.

FAQs

Is higenamine safe to take?

Higenamine is not recommended due to potential cardiovascular risks and is prohibited in sports.

When should I take higenamine?

It is advised not to take higenamine due to its safety concerns and the lack of established dosage guidelines.

What results can I expect from higenamine?

Expected results remain unclear due to a scarcity of clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy.

Is higenamine effective for weight loss?

While believed to aid in weight loss, conclusive evidence from high-quality studies is lacking.

Research Sources

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/apt.16072 – This study developed methods for the detection of higenamine in dietary supplements, revealing some products contained higenamine without explicit labeling.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28850863/ – The in vitro receptor activation study identified higenamine's role as a partial beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, offering insights into its biological mechanism but lacking human clinical relevance.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/11/1567 – This article provides a comprehensive overview of higenamine, highlighting its stimulant properties and potential health risks, particularly its implications for athletes within the context of doping regulations.
https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/higenamine-what-athletes-need-to-know-to-compete-clean/ – A resource detailing the prohibited status of higenamine in sports, emphasizing safety concerns and critical information for athletes regarding its usage.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32936964/ – This study exhibits analytical methods related to higenamine detection while critically analyzing product safety and the significant lack of rigorous human studies.