Aegeline

PhytochemicalAlkaloid

What is it

Aegeline is an alkaloid-amide compound (N-[2-hydroxy-2(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-3-phenyl-2-propenamide) originally isolated from the bael fruit tree (Aegle marmelos). It was used as an ingredient in some weight-loss supplements before being linked to serious liver injury.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Weight loss

Mixed Evidence

There is no credible human evidence that aegeline produces meaningful weight loss, and use has been linked to severe liver injury. Risks far outweigh any unproven benefit.

How it works

Aegeline was added to weight-loss formulas (notably the OxyELITE Pro reformulation) based on claims of effects on lipid metabolism. However, in 2013 a cluster of acute hepatitis and liver failure cases in Hawaii and elsewhere was linked to aegeline-containing products. The FDA issued warnings, and the products were recalled. The exact mechanism of liver injury is not fully established but appears to be idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity, possibly involving immune-mediated or metabolic activation pathways.

Dosage

Aegeline should not be taken as a supplement. There is no safe established dose, and the FDA has warned against its use.

When and how to take it

Not applicable. Aegeline should not be consumed.

1 commercial form

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

Aegeline (synthetic or extracted)

Was used in some weight-loss supplements that have since been recalled.

Not recommended for use due to safety concerns.

Safety

Aegeline has been associated with acute hepatitis, acute liver failure, and liver transplant in published case series. The FDA classified aegeline-containing weight-loss products as adulterated and unsafe. Avoid.

Who should be cautious

Everyone. Aegeline-containing products are linked to documented liver failure cases. Pregnant women, people with liver disease, and anyone taking medications metabolized by the liver should especially avoid.

Interactions

Because aegeline has been linked to liver injury, combining it with any hepatotoxic drug or supplement (acetaminophen, alcohol, kava, green tea extract at high doses) would increase risk. The safest position is complete avoidance.

Food sources

Bael fruit (Aegle marmelos)

Amount
Trace amounts in traditional whole-food preparations
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is aegeline safe?⌄

No. The FDA has linked aegeline-containing supplements to dozens of cases of acute hepatitis and liver failure, including the need for liver transplants. Avoid products that list aegeline.

Is bael fruit also dangerous?⌄

Traditional culinary use of whole bael fruit has not been associated with the same toxicity as concentrated aegeline supplements. The risk appears tied to concentrated extracts at supplement doses.

References

Aegeline on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Aegeline (ChEBI:196319) — ChEBI link

Aegeline (PubChem CID 15558419) — PubChem link

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

Research on Aegeline (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Aegeline with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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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.