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.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using Acacia rigidula for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
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 & 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.
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 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)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
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.
Stimulant Drugs
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
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.
Herbs and supplements with stimulant effects: Acacia rigidula might have stimulant effects. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the chance of side effects, including rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure. Examples of supplements with this effect include 1,3-DMAA, bitter orange, caffeine-containing products, DMHA, and ephedra.
There are no known interactions with foods.
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.
Acacia rigidula, Acaciopsis rigidula, Blackbrush, Blackbush, Chaparro Prieto, Vachellia rigidula.
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