Home
amphetamines-in-plants
May 7, 2009
Email this article | Printer friendly page | Bookmark this article | Discuss this on the ProSource Fitness Forum
I heard about a plant that was a natural source of amphetamines - any truth to this?
I’m guessing you are talking about Acacia rigidula (also called
blackbrush), a shrub found in southern Texas. Acacia rigidula has been
known for some time to contain toxic alkaloids. Sheep and goats that
graze on the shrub have developed uncoordinated muscle movements
referred to as locomotor ataxia. In an effort to identify potential
compounds of the plant that might cause this condition, researchers
performed a detailed chemical analysis of leaves and stems from Acacia
rigidula. The report published almost 10 years ago indicated more than
40 amines and alkaloids were detectable using highly sensitive gas
chromatography mass spectrometer (GCMS). The level of amphetamine was
extremely low (11.8 parts per million). The most abundant compound was
N-methylphenethylamine (5265), followed by tyramine (1699 ppm), and
N-methyltyramine (1238 ppm), and phenethylamine(1136 ppm). With the
exception of amphetamines, these compounds are naturally found in foods
and extracts. At higher levels they could possess psychoactive effects,
but at these very low levels any biologic effects would likely be
minimal. There could be side effects with higher intakes of tyramine
compounds especially in individuals taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors
(MAOIs). The plant does have an interesting mixture of chemicals, but
considering the low concentrations and adverse effects seen in animals
foraging on the shrub, I don’t think there is any good reason to
supplement with Acacia rigidula
Disclaimer: The articles featured herein are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Specific medical advice should only be obtained from a licensed health care professional. No liability is assumed by ProSource for any information herein.
 Return to Top
 Report Site Errors  Click Here for Important Safety Information
ProSource.net-Discount body building supplements
Site Links:
|
Store Links:
|
Content Links:
|
Discover Bodybuilding's Best!Includes cutting edge articles, in-depth research, expert Q&A plus the absolute lowest prices and best product selection available anywhere!
|
Stay Connected!
Join the ProSource Network for Exclusive Sales,Expert Product Analysis and Up-to-the-Minute News!
|
Sign up for our FREE Email Newsletter to receive special offers and upcoming events for VIP customers only. click here.
|
|
Advertisement
ProSource Proudly Supports:
|
|