Higenamine
OTHER NAME(S): 1-(P-Hydroxybenzyl)-6,7-Dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroisoquinolin, 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-1-((4-Hydroxyphenyl)Methyl)-6,7-Isoquinolinediol, 1-(4-Hydroxybenzyl)-1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-6,7-Isoquinolinediol, 1-(4-Hydroxybenzyl)-1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroisoquinoline-6,7-Diol, 1(S)-Norcoclaurine, 6,7-Isoquinolinediol, 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-1-((4-Hydroxyphenyl)methyl), 6,7-Dihydroxy-1-(4-Hydroxybenzyl)-1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroisoquinoline, 6,7-Dihydroxy-1-[(4-Hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroisoquinoline, Demethylcoclaurine, DL-Demethylcoclaurine, DMC, Higenamine Hydrobromide, Higenamine Hydrochloride, Higenamine Oxalate, Higenamine Tartrate, Isoquinolin-6,7-Diol, 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-1-[4-Hydroxybenzyl], Norcoclaurine, O-Demethylcoclaurine, 1-[(4-Hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-6,7-diol, 4-Hydroxyphenyl, Higenamine HCl, Higenamina, Higénamine
Overview
Higenamine is a chemical found in several plants including aconite, asarum, lotus, Lamarck's bedstraw, sacred bamboo, and others. It might be unsafe.
Higenamine works like a stimulant. In some parts of the body it causes tissues to relax. In other parts of the body, such as the heart, it causes tissue to contract. It seems to increase heart contractions and speed up the heart rate.
People use higenamine for athletic performance, obesity, asthma, cough, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Higenamine is found in products promoted as pre-workoutsupplements, but it's not always listed on product labels. It's also not approved for use in dietary supplements and is prohibited in sports. It is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. Don't confuse higenamine with aconite. These are not the same.
Uses
We currently have no information for Higenamine overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Higenamine is possibly unsafe. Higenamine is one of the main chemicals in a plant called aconite. Aconite has been shown to cause serious heart-related side effects including irregular heartbeat and even death. It is possible that these effects are caused by higenamine.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Higenamine is possibly unsafe. Higenamine is one of the main chemicals in a plant called aconite. Aconite has been shown to cause serious heart-related side effects including irregular heartbeat and even death. It is possible that these effects are caused by higenamine.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if higenamine is safe to use when pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Irregular heartbeat: Higenamine might cause a rapid heartbeat. This could make irregular heartbeat worse. If you have an irregular heartbeat, do not take higenamine.
Surgery: Higenamine acts like a stimulant. It might interfere with surgery by increasing heart rate. Stop taking higenamine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with HigenamineSome medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Higenamine might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
- Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with HigenamineSome medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Higenamine might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
- Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with HigenamineHigenamine might slow blood clotting. Taking higenamine along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
- Stimulant drugs interacts with HigenamineStimulant drugs can speed up the nervous system and heart. By speeding up the nervous system, stimulant medications can make you feel jittery and speed up your heartbeat. Higenamine might also speed up the nervous system and heart. Taking higenamine along with stimulant drugs might cause serious problems such as an increased heart rate and high blood pressure.
Minor Interaction
Be watchful with this combination
- Propranolol (Inderal) interacts with HigenamineHigenamine can stimulate the heart and cause it to beat faster and stronger. Taking propranolol might reduce this effect.
Dosing
Higenamine is found in pre-workout and weight loss supplements. But it's not approved for use in dietary supplements and isn't always included on product labels. It's also banned in sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and might be unsafe. Consult a healthcare professional before using.
References
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- Wang Y, Geng J, Jiang M, Li C, Han Y, Jiang J. The cardiac electrophysiology effects of higenamine in guinea pig heart. Biomed Pharmacother 2019;109:2348-56.
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- Prohibited List. World Anti-Doping Agency. January 2020. Available at: https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/wada_2020_english_prohibited_list_0.pdf.
- Rasic JS, Ivanovic ND, Andjelkovic MS, et al. Influence of higenamine on exercise performance of recreational female athletes: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial. Front Psychol 2021;12:633110.
- Dietary Supplement Ingredient Advisory List. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplement-products-ingredients/dietary-supplement-ingredient-advisory-list. Updated October 29, 2021. Accessed March 5, 2022.