Herb & supplement monograph

Acacia Rigidula Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Acacia Rigidula interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Acacia Rigidula is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Acacia Rigidula is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

Check Acacia Rigidula against your medication

Add one medication
Acacia Rigidula
+
Start typing any prescription or over-the-counter drug name.
Reviewed by licensed pharmacists Sourced from Natural Medicines
On this page

Acacia Rigidula Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the current evidence, the risk of a clinically significant Acacia Rigidula drug interaction is uncertain for most people, since every listed concern is theoretical, but none can be dismissed outright. All of the interactions are rated moderate rather than major, and each rests on lab research or theory rather than studies in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The clearest concern involves stimulant drugs, because compounds found in or added to Acacia rigidula can themselves act as stimulants, and combining them could raise the chance of heart-related side effects like a faster heart rate or higher blood pressure. There is also a lab-based concern that a common adulterant in these products, called BMPEA, may block enzymes the body uses to clear many medications, which could theoretically raise levels of those drugs. None of these effects have been confirmed in humans.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications exists mainly because those two enzymes process a very large share of common prescriptions, so any product that might affect them gets flagged broadly. That does not mean each combination is harmful. Much of the concern also depends on whether a particular product is adulterated, which varies from brand to brand.

Check your medications against Acacia Rigidula

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Acacia Rigidula interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Acacia Rigidula

815 medications have a known interaction with Acacia Rigidula, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
Ado-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla› AbemaciclibVerzenio› Abiraterone› Abiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga› AcalabrutinibCalquence› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Liquid Gels, Children's Tylenol Cold, Codimal, Comtrex, Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Lorsin +3 more›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Acacia Rigidula combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Acacia Rigidula affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Acacia Rigidula is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 3 drug categories Acacia Rigidula interacts with
Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) SubstratesCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) SubstratesStimulant Drugs
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, Acacia rigidula products that are adulterated with beta-methylphenylethylamine (BMPEA) might increase the levels of CYP2D6 substrates.
In vitro research shows that BMPEA, an adulterant found in many Acacia rigidula products, strongly inhibits CYP2D6 enzyme.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, Acacia rigidula products that are adulterated with beta-methylphenylethylamine (BMPEA) might increase the levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that BMPEA, an adulterant found in many Acacia rigidula products, inhibits CYP3A4 enzyme by 37%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Drugs

Theoretically, taking Acacia rigidula with stimulant drugs might increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular effects.
Constituents and adulterants found in Acacia rigidula can have stimulant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Acacia Rigidula: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Acacia rigidula is a shrub from Texas and Mexico that is marketed in weight-loss and energy supplements. There is very little reliable human evidence that it works, and some products have been found to contain an unapproved stimulant drug (BMPEA), which raises real safety concerns. Most people should avoid it and talk to a pharmacist or doctor before trying any product containing it.

Acacia Rigidula
Scientific name
Vachellia rigidula
Family
Fabaceae
Part used
Leaves and stems
Common forms
Capsules, tablets, powders (often in weight-loss and pre-workout blends)
People commonly use it for
  • Weight loss
  • Energy and stimulation
  • Boosting metabolism
  • Appetite control
  • Pre-workout/athletic performance

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

Some products contain an unapproved synthetic stimulant (BMPEA), and human safety data are lacking.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information is available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information is available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Acacia rigidula (also called Vachellia rigidula, blackbrush, or chaparro prieto) is a thorny shrub native to Texas and northern Mexico. It has small yellow flowers and woody, spiny branches and grows in dry, scrubby areas.

The plant has been used in folk traditions, but today it is best known as an ingredient in dietary supplements sold for weight loss, energy, and "fat burning." It is often combined with other stimulant ingredients in pre-workout and diet products.

It is important to know that some products labeled as containing Acacia rigidula have been found to contain a synthetic stimulant called beta-methylphenylethylamine (BMPEA), which is not a natural part of the plant and is not an approved drug. This is a major reason to be cautious.

How it works

Researchers who studied the plant reported that it may contain naturally occurring amines such as phenylethylamine (PEA) and related compounds. These types of molecules can act as mild stimulants that affect brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, which is the proposed reason for energy and appetite effects.

However, the amounts and types of these compounds in the actual plant have been debated, and much of the analysis is from laboratory testing, not human studies. Some commercial products appear to get their stimulant punch from added synthetic BMPEA rather than from the plant itself.

Because of this uncertainty, it is hard to say exactly how any given product will affect the body.

Effectiveness

Does Acacia Rigidula work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 2 uses evaluated
2 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Acacia Rigidula, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 2 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Athletic performance
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral Acacia rigidula for athletic performance, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Acacia rigidula for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Obesity
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral Acacia rigidula for obesity, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Acacia rigidula for this purpose.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

The biggest safety concern is that some Acacia rigidula products have been found to contain BMPEA, a synthetic stimulant that has never been tested for safety in humans and is similar in structure to amphetamine-like drugs. Regulators have warned companies about this.

Stimulants can raise heart rate and blood pressure. People with heart disease, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, thyroid problems, or who have had a stroke should be especially careful and generally avoid these products.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid. There is no reliable safety information, and stimulant ingredients are not considered safe during pregnancy or while nursing.

Always talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using any supplement containing Acacia rigidula, and be aware that supplements are not tightly regulated, so contents may not match the label.

Side effects

Because these products often act as stimulants, possible side effects include a faster or pounding heartbeat, raised blood pressure, jitteriness, anxiety, restlessness, trouble sleeping, headache, and nausea.

More serious effects are a theoretical concern, especially in people with heart conditions or those taking other stimulants. These could include dangerous spikes in blood pressure or heart rhythm problems. Stop use and seek medical care if you have chest pain, severe headache, fainting, or a very rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Acacia Rigidula: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Acacia Rigidula from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Reports by condition
Cardiac arrest Cardiovascular

There have been several reported cases of tachycardia and palpitations and one reported case of cardiac arrest in patients taking supplements containing Acacia rigidula and other stimulant ingredients. It is unclear if these adverse effects were due to Acacia rigidula or other stimulant ingredients in the supplements.

  1. 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.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no established or proven safe dose for Acacia rigidula. Products vary widely in their contents, and some contain undeclared stimulants, so it is impossible to recommend a reliable amount.

If you are considering a product that contains it, read the label carefully and check with a pharmacist or doctor first. Given the safety concerns, many pharmacists would recommend avoiding these products altogether.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Acacia Rigidula & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information is available; avoid using.

Acacia Rigidula & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information is available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 4 references that drive our Acacia Rigidula monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. 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 PubMed
  2. 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. PubMed
  3. 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 Apr 7. PubMed
  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. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Acacia Rigidula: Common Questions

What is Acacia Rigidula used for, and does it work?
People use Acacia Rigidula for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Acacia Rigidula interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 815 medications with a known interaction with Acacia Rigidula. Use the checker above to see how Acacia Rigidula interacts with a specific drug.
How are Acacia Rigidula interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Acacia Rigidula with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Acacia Rigidula interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Acacia Rigidula used for?
It is mainly marketed in weight-loss and energy supplements to boost metabolism, curb appetite, and increase energy, but there is little solid evidence it actually works.
Is Acacia Rigidula safe?
It raises safety concerns because some products have been found to contain an unapproved synthetic stimulant (BMPEA) and there is little human safety data, so most people should avoid it.
Can I take Acacia Rigidula while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There is not enough safety information, and stimulant ingredients are not considered safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it should be avoided.
Does Acacia Rigidula really help with weight loss?
There is no good clinical evidence that it produces meaningful weight loss, and any stimulant effects may come with real risks rather than proven benefits.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Where next
Supplement interaction checkerCheck any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactionsCheck two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–ZEvery drug we’ve checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookupFind a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacistFree, personal answer from our licensed team

Have a question about Acacia Rigidula?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist