Background

Acacia rigidula is a shrub that grows in southwest and west Texas, as well as in the northern states of Mexico. The chemicals in Acacia rigidula might have stimulant effects, which is why it is used in some weight loss and athletic performance supplements.

Many dietary supplements that list Acacia rigidula as an ingredient have been shown to contain large amounts of the chemical phenethylamine. While phenethylamine is found in Acacia rigidula leaves naturally, the amounts found in these supplements is often greater than would be expected from the plant parts alone.

In addition to phenethylamine, many supplements listing Acacia rigidula as an ingredient have been found to contain another unlisted ingredient called beta-methylphenethylamine (BMPEA). This ingredient is a stimulant similar to amphetamine. But unlike phenethylamine, it is not found naturally in Acacia rigidula or any other known plants. In April 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that BMPEA does not meet the definition of a dietary ingredient. Therefore, any products containing BMPEA are considered misbranded.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Acacia rigidula is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Acacia rigidula contains chemicals thought to have stimulant effects. There have been several reports of increased heart rate and heart palpitations in people taking products containing Acacia rigidula and other stimulants. There is also 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 & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking Acacia rigidula if you are 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 also been found to contain a chemical called beta-methylphenethylamine (BMPEA). BMPEA and other stimulants can increase blood pressure and heart rate. In theory, 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 also been found to contain a chemical called beta-methylphenethylamine (BMPEA). BMPEA and other stimulants can increase blood pressure and heart rate. In theory, 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.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

The appropriate dose of Acacia rigidula depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Acacia rigidula (in children/in adults). Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Acacia rigidula might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking Acacia rigidula along with some medications that are changed by the liver might increase the effects and side effects of your medication. Before taking Acacia rigidula, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.

Some medications that are changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), clozapine (Clozaril), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin), donepezil (Aricept), fentanyl (Duragesic), flecainide (Tambocor), fluoxetine (Prozac), meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), olanzapine (Zyprexa), ondansetron (Zofran), tramadol (Ultram), trazodone (Desyrel), and others.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Acacia rigidula might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking Acacia rigidula along with some medications that are changed by the liver might increase the effects and side effects of your medication. Before taking Acacia rigidula talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver.

Some medications changed by the liver include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and many others.

Stimulant Drugs

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Stimulant drugs speed up the nervous system. By speeding up the nervous system, stimulant medications can make you feel jittery and speed up your heart rate. 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). In theory, taking Acacia rigidula along with stimulant drugs might cause serious problems, such as causing heart rate and blood pressure to become too high.

Some stimulant drugs include amphetamine, caffeine, diethylpropion (Tenuate), methylphenidate, phentermine (Ionamin), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, others), and many others.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements with stimulant effects: Some chemicals in Acacia rigidula have stimulant effects. Many products that list Acacia rigidula as an ingredient have also been found to contain a chemical called beta-methylphenethylamine (BMPEA). BMPEA and other stimulants can increase heart rate and blood pressure. In theory, taking Acacia rigidula along with other herbs and supplements that also have stimulant effects might cause serious problems, such as causing heart rate and blood pressure to become too high. Some herbs and supplements with stimulant properties include ephedra, bitter orange, caffeine, and caffeine-containing supplements such as coffee, cola nut, guarana, and mate.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

Acacia rigidula contains many different chemicals that have stimulant effects. Because of this, it is often promoted for weight loss and athletic performance. But many products listing Acacia rigidula as an ingredient also contain an amphetamine-like chemical called beta-methylphenethylamine (BMPEA).