Acacia berlandieri

Botanical

What is it

Acacia berlandieri (also called Senegalia berlandieri, guajillo) is a shrub native to Texas and Mexico whose leaf extract has been studied for its content of phenethylamine and methamphetamine-like alkaloids.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Stimulant/pre-workout effect

Mixed Evidence

Marketed for energy and exercise performance based on alkaloid content. Rigorous human clinical trials are lacking and there are significant safety concerns.

How it works

Extracts of Acacia berlandieri have been reported to contain small amounts of phenethylamines, including N-methyl-beta-phenethylamine and other trace alkaloids. These compounds can stimulate adrenergic receptors and have been used in pre-workout and weight-management supplements as stimulants. The alkaloid content varies widely by plant population and extraction. Some marketed extracts may contain compounds with stimulant or sympathomimetic effects.

Dosage

No established dose. Used in pre-workout products typically at unspecified amounts; reliable human dosing data are lacking.

When and how to take it

If used at all, typically taken pre-workout. Avoid evening use due to stimulant content. Many clinicians recommend avoiding this category given safety uncertainty.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Senegalia berlandieri extract

Used in pre-workout and weight-loss supplement blends.

Variable alkaloid content

Safety

Stimulant alkaloid content raises safety concerns, particularly for cardiovascular effects (raised heart rate and blood pressure). Some related alkaloids have been restricted by sports anti-doping agencies. Reports of contamination with unlabeled stimulants in some products.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, anxiety disorders, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Athletes subject to anti-doping testing should be especially cautious due to risk of failed tests.

Interactions

Possible additive effects with caffeine and other stimulants. Risk of interaction with MAO inhibitors, blood pressure medications, and sympathomimetic agents.

Frequently asked questions

Is Acacia berlandieri safe?⌄

There are concerns about stimulant alkaloid content and contamination. Many clinicians and athletic organizations advise caution or avoidance.

Will it show up on a drug test?⌄

Some related alkaloids can cause positive results on sports drug tests. Athletes should avoid.

References

Acacia berlandieri on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Acacia berlandieri on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Acacia berlandieri (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.