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Limited evidenceWeight management

Higenamine

A plant alkaloid with beta-2 adrenergic activity, used in fat burners and pre-workouts. One small trial shows an acute metabolic effect, no trial shows weight loss, and it is banned in sport.

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What the science says

  • Acute fat mobilisation Limited evidence

    A randomized trial found that a single dose of a higenamine-based supplement raised circulating free fatty acids and energy expenditure in human subjects. It was an acute study of a multi-ingredient product, and no trial has followed this through to weight change.

  • Body weight and fat over time Limited evidence

    No randomized trial has tested higenamine for weight or fat loss over weeks or months. The mechanistic rationale rests on beta-2 adrenoceptor agonism described in pharmacology reviews.

  • Product content and doping status Limited evidence

    An analysis of higenamine-labelled weight-loss and sports supplements found doses varying by orders of magnitude, with some products delivering amounts comparable to pharmacological beta-agonist exposure. Higenamine is on the WADA prohibited list at all times.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo dose established for weight loss. A short-term safety study used roughly 75 mg/day; commercial products range from a few milligrams to over 60 mg, often undisclosed.
SafetyA beta-2 agonist, so increased heart rate and palpitations are expected effects; a short safety trial in healthy young men found no serious harm, but the population and duration were narrow. Prohibited in sport by WADA. Avoid with cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia, hypertension or thyroid disease, in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and be aware that labelled content is frequently inaccurate.

How to take it

TimingProducts place it pre-workout, but no timing has been shown to matter for any outcome.
With food?With or without food; no absorption data support a preference.
Worth knowingAnalyses have repeatedly found label amounts wrong by large margins, so you cannot know your actual dose — and it is banned in sport.

Interactions

With medications

  • beta-blockers

    Beta-blockers oppose higenamine's beta-agonist action, and higenamine works against the drug. do not combine

  • beta-agonist inhalers (salbutamol, formoterol)

    Additive tachycardia, tremor and palpitations. do not combine without medical supervision

  • stimulant medication and decongestants

    Additive strain on heart rate and blood pressure. do not combine

With other supplements

  • caffeine, synephrine and other stimulants

    Higenamine almost always appears in stimulant blends, and the cardiovascular effects add up. do not stack stimulants

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does higenamine help you lose weight?

No randomised trial has tested higenamine for weight or fat loss over weeks or months; one acute study of a multi-ingredient higenamine product only showed raised free fatty acids and energy expenditure. The evidence for higenamine and weight loss is limited.

Is higenamine banned in sport?

Yes, higenamine is on the WADA prohibited list at all times. Analyses of higenamine-labelled supplements have also found doses wrong by large margins, so you cannot know your actual dose.

Is higenamine safe?

Higenamine is a beta-2 agonist, so increased heart rate and palpitations are expected; a short safety trial at roughly 75 mg/day in healthy young men found no serious harm, but that is narrow evidence. Avoid higenamine with heart disease, arrhythmia, hypertension, thyroid disease or pregnancy.

Does higenamine interact with medications?

Do not combine higenamine with beta-blockers, stimulant medication or decongestants, and avoid it with beta-agonist inhalers such as salbutamol without medical supervision. Higenamine also adds to the cardiovascular effects of caffeine and synephrine.

Scientific references

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