Evidence supporting the use of: Higenamine
For the health condition: Heart (weakness)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Higenamine is an alkaloid found in several plants used in traditional medicine, such as Nandina domestica (sacred bamboo) and Aconitum species. Its use for supporting heart function or treating "heart weakness" (sometimes referred to as "Xin Xu" in Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM) is primarily rooted in traditional practices. In TCM, herbs containing higenamine are sometimes included in formulas aimed at "strengthening the heart" or treating symptoms like palpitations and shortness of breath, which are interpreted as signs of heart weakness. However, these uses are based on traditional diagnostic categories and not modern cardiology. From a scientific perspective, higenamine is known as a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, which means it can stimulate beta receptors in the heart and other tissues, potentially increasing heart rate and cardiac output. Limited animal and in vitro studies suggest positive inotropic effects (increasing the force of heart contractions) and vasodilation. However, there is a lack of robust clinical studies in humans demonstrating efficacy or safety for treating heart failure or significant cardiac weakness. Additionally, due to its stimulant properties, safety concerns exist, especially in patients with existing heart disease. In summary, higenamine’s use for "heart weakness" is primarily justified by traditional medicine, with limited mechanistic support from laboratory research but insufficient clinical evidence to validate its use for this indication in modern medicine.

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