Higenamine is a beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist found in several plants (Aconitum, Nandina, Nelumbo nucifera). It's marketed as a pre-workout thermogenic ("natural DMAA replacement") but our research shows this is a DANGEROUS supplement with ZERO human clinical trials, significant cardiac stimulant effects, and it's BANNED by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) since 2017. Higenamine has the same mechanism as clenbuterol (beta-2 agonist) but without ANY dose-response safety data in humans. Multiple adverse event reports including cardiac arrhythmias. The supplement industry started selling it after DMAA and ephedra were banned — it's the next unsafe stimulant in the whack-a-mole game.
Higenamine activates beta-2 adrenergic receptors: (1) Bronchial smooth muscle relaxation (bronchodilatory — why it's in traditional Chinese medicine for asthma); (2) Lipolysis stimulation in adipocytes (via cAMP→PKA pathway — same as epinephrine); (3) Cardiac stimulation (positive inotropic and chronotropic — increases heart rate and contractile force); (4) Skeletal muscle vasodilation. The PROBLEM: beta-2 agonists have narrow therapeutic windows. Without human dose-response data, there is no way to determine a safe dose. The cardiac stimulant effects are the primary safety concern.
Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.