Evidence supporting the use of: Higenamine
For the health condition: Fat Metabolism (poor)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Higenamine is a plant-derived alkaloid found in several traditional medicinal herbs, such as Nandina domestica and Aconitum species. In recent years, higenamine has attracted attention as a potential agent for supporting fat metabolism, particularly in the context of weight loss supplements. The scientific rationale for its use is primarily based on its action as a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, similar to compounds like ephedrine and synephrine. By stimulating beta-adrenergic receptors, higenamine may increase lipolysis—the breakdown of fat stores—and promote energy expenditure. However, evidence supporting higenamine’s efficacy for fat metabolism in humans is limited. Most studies are preclinical, conducted in vitro or in animal models, where higenamine has been shown to increase heart rate, stimulate lipolysis, and enhance thermogenesis. Only a small number of human studies exist; these tend to be short-term, small-scale, and often focus on cardiovascular effects rather than direct fat loss outcomes. Some data suggest a modest acute increase in energy expenditure, but there is no robust evidence demonstrating significant or sustained fat loss in humans. In summary, higenamine’s use for supporting fat metabolism is scientifically plausible but not strongly validated in clinical research. The evidence base is weak, with a lack of high-quality human trials, hence a low evidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Fat Metabolism (poor)
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
anchovies
artichoke
barberry
biotin
canola oil
capsaicinoids
choline
cinnamon
coleus forskohlii
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
turmeric
dandelion
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fenugreek
flavonols
forskohlii root
garcinia
ginger
glucomannan
guggul
hesperetin
hydroxycitric acid
kelp
l-carnitine
lecithin
linoleic acid (LA)
lipase
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
milk thistle
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-7 fatty acids
palmitate
pantethine
phospholipids
black ginger
vitamin B
zinc
bile salt
polyphenols
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
3-desoxy-7-KETO-DHEA
Apple Cider Vinegar
Avocado
alpha Methyl Tetradecylthioacetic Acid
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Berberis (unspecified)
Chia seed
Capric Acid
Cardarine
Carqueja
Capsinoids
coconut oil
Coriander
Capsaicin
Capsiate
Cha de bugre
Diacylglycerol
Dihydrocapsiate
Ephedrine
walnut
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Higenamine
Athletic and Exercise AidsCardiovascular Disease
Chest Pain
Energy (lack of)
Exercise
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Heart (weakness)