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Other names:
Also known as ephedrines, ephedra sinica, epitonin
Common products that have been known to contain it include Ma Huang,
Metabolife, Xenedrine, Stacker II, Chinese ephedra, Herbal Ecstacy, Ripped
Fuel, Ultimate Orange, Bronc Ease, Cloud 9, Nature’s Nutritional Formula,
Ultimate Xphoria, "Mormon tea", "Squaw tea"
What it is supposed to do:
 | Promote weight loss |
| Boost energy |
| Improve athletic performance |
| Treat asthma and bronchitis and is used as a decongestant |
How it is supposed to work:
Ephedra (the primary ingredient of the Chinese herbal extract Ma Huang), is a
cardiac and central nervous system stimulant. It increases heart rate,
increases blood pressure, dilates the bronchioles and suppresses appetite.
Toxic effects:
| Ephedra has been associated with sudden death |
| Stroke, seizures heart attacks, palpitations, high blood pressure |
| Nervousness, agitation, insomnia, dizziness, skin flushing |
| Headache, motor restlessness, irritability, disturbance of urination |
| Psychosis, auditory and visual hallucinations, tingling of the extremities,
nausea and vomiting. |
| High doses can result in dependency |
Does it work?
Has been shown to result in weight loss along with dieting in some studies.
It is not recommended because of the serious toxic effects.
Other information:
Banned in New York State. The FDA has announced plans to prohibit sale of its
use in the United States.
Especially toxic with caffeine, decongestants, MAO inhibitors, alpha-2
blockers
Dangerous in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease,
thyroid disease and glaucoma
Banned by the International Olympic Committee and National Collegiate
Athletic Association
References:
Mack RB. "Something wicked this way comes" – herbs even witches
should avoid. Contemporary Pediatrics. June 1998;49-64.
Gardiner P, Conboy L, Kemper KJ. Herbs and adolescent girls: Avoiding the
hazards of self-treatment. Contemporary Pediatrics, March 2000;133-154.
Vitamin Research Products, Inc. Nutrition News. February 1997. Ephedra and
caffeine; the ideal diet pill?
McNamara D. Alternative therapies can cause problems. Pediatric News.
February 2002.
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