Synopsis

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

Higenamine is a plant-derived alkaloid found in several traditional medicinal herbs, including Nandina domestica and Aconitum species. Scientifically, higenamine acts as a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, meaning it can stimulate receptors that are part of the sympathetic nervous system. This pharmacologic action results in increased heart rate (positive chronotropy), increased contractility (positive inotropy), and bronchodilation, which are characteristic effects of sympathetic nervous system stimulation.

Animal and some limited human studies have shown that higenamine can increase cardiac output and may have mild stimulant effects. For example, a 2016 human study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology reported that oral higenamine elevated heart rate and energy expenditure in healthy subjects. These findings are consistent with its mechanism as a beta-adrenergic agonist. However, the evidence base is relatively small, with few high-quality clinical trials, and most research focuses on short-term physiological effects rather than long-term clinical outcomes.

While higenamine’s use as a stimulant or fat burner is supported by its pharmacological profile, regulatory agencies such as WADA have banned it in sports due to its stimulant properties. Overall, there is some scientific validation for higenamine’s ability to support sympathetic nervous system activity, but the evidence is not robust, and safety concerns remain.

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