ACACIA RIGIDULA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Acacia rigidula is a shrub found in Texas and Mexico. It contains chemicals with stimulant effects and is used in some weight loss and sports supplements.

Stimulants in Acacia rigidula can affect the heart and may be unsafe. Many Acacia rigidula supplements have been shown to contain large amounts phenethylamine. Phenethylamine is found in Acacia rigidula naturally, but the amounts found in supplements is often greater than would be expected.

People use Acacia rigidula for athletic performance, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Many supplements listing Acacia rigidula have been found to contain an amphetamine-like chemical called called beta-methylphenethylamine (BMPEA). It is not found naturally in Acacia rigidula or any other known plants. Any dietary supplement products containing BMPEA are considered misbranded by the US FDA. See separate listings for more details on phenethylamine and BMPEA.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for ACACIA RIGIDULA overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Acacia rigidula is possibly unsafe. There have been several reports of increased heart rate and heart palpitations in people taking products containing Acacia rigidula. There is one reported case of cardiac arrest. It's unclear if these side effects were caused by Acacia rigidula or other stimulants in these products.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Acacia rigidula is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

High blood pressure: Some chemicals in Acacia rigidula have stimulant effects. Many products that list Acacia rigidula as an ingredient have been found to contain a chemical called beta-methylphenethylamine (BMPEA). BMPEA and other stimulants can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Taking Acacia rigidula supplements might make high blood pressure worse.

Surgery: Some chemicals in Acacia rigidula have stimulant effects. Many products that list Acacia rigidula as an ingredient have been found to contain a chemical called beta-methylphenethylamine (BMPEA). BMPEA and other stimulants can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Taking Acacia rigidula supplements might interfere with surgery by increasing blood pressure and heart rate. Stop taking Acacia rigidula supplements at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Stimulant Drugs interacts with ACACIA RIGIDULA
Stimulants, such as amphetamines and cocaine, speed up the nervous system. By speeding up the nervous system, stimulant medications can increase blood pressure and speed up the heartbeat. Some chemicals in Acacia rigidula also have stimulant effects. Many products that list Acacia rigidula as an ingredient have also been found to contain an amphetamine-like chemical called beta-methylphenethylamine (BMPEA). Taking Acacia rigidula along with stimulant drugs might cause serious problems, such as causing heart rate and blood pressure to become too high.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with ACACIA RIGIDULA
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Acacia rigidula 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 ACACIA RIGIDULA
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Acacia rigidula might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of Acacia rigidula might be. It might also be unsafe. Many products that list Acacia rigidula as an ingredient have been found to contain an amphetamine-like chemical called beta-methylphenethylamine (BMPEA). Speak with a healthcare provider before use.

View References

REFERENCES:

BMPEA in Dietary Supplements. FDA Q & A on Dietary Supplements, April 23, 2015. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/QADietarySupplements/ucm443790.htm.

Camp BJ, Norvell MJ. The phenylethylamine alkaloids of native range plants. Econ Bot 1966;20(3):274-8. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4252754.

Clement BA, Goff CM, Forbes TDA. Toxic amines and alkaloids from acacia rigidula. Phytochemistry 1998;49(5):1377-80. doi:10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4.

Cohen PA, Bloszies C, Yee C, Gerona R. An amphetamine isomer whose efficacy and safety in humans has never been studied, ß-methylphenylethylamine (BMPEA), is found in multiple dietary supplements. Drug Test Anal 2015. [Epub ahead of print]. View abstract.

Pawar RS, Grundel E, Fardin-Kia AR, Rader JI. Determination of selected biogenic amines in Acacia rigidula plant materials and dietary supplements using LC-MS/MS methods. J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2014 Jan;88:457-66. doi: 10.1016/j.jpba.2013.09.012. Epub 2013 Oct 5. View abstract.

The 2015 Prohibited List, International Standard, World Anti-Doping Agency, 2015. https://wada-main-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/resources/files/wada-2015-prohibited-list-en.pdf. Accessed April 22, 2015.

Venhuis B, Keizers P, van Riel A, de Kaste D. A cocktail of synthetic stimulants found in a dietary supplement associated with serious adverse events. Drug Test Anal. 2014 Jun;6(6):578-81. doi: 10.1002/dta.1664. Epub 2014 May 6. View abstract.

BMPEA in Dietary Supplements. FDA Q & A on Dietary Supplements, April 23, 2015. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/QADietarySupplements/ucm443790.htm.

Camp BJ, Norvell MJ. The phenylethylamine alkaloids of native range plants. Econ Bot 1966;20(3):274-8. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4252754.

Clement BA, Goff CM, Forbes TDA. Toxic amines and alkaloids from acacia rigidula. Phytochemistry 1998;49(5):1377-80. doi:10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4.

Liu Y, Santillo MF. Cytochrome P450 2D6 and 3A4 enzyme inhibition by amine stimulants in dietary supplements. Drug Test Anal. 2016;8(3-4):307-10. View abstract.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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ACACIA RIGIDULA - Uses, Side Effects, and More