Ephedra is a stimulant herb that is usually obtained from the stem and branches of Ephedra sinica. Most ephedra species contain the chemical ephedrine, which is responsible for its therapeutic effects and serious safety concerns. Ephedra is used for weight loss, athletic performance, allergies, nasal congestion, asthma, common cold, headache, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Ephedra is unsafe and has been banned by the US FDA since April 2004. It is also banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), International Olympic Committee (IOC), and National Football League (NFL) . The active ingredient of ephedra, ephedrine, stimulates the heart, lungs, and nervous system, and can cause serious side effects including fast heartbeat and very high blood pressure when taken with some medications used for depression. Ephedra might also increase blood sugar levels and reduce the effects of diabetes medications.
Ephedra extracts not containing ephedrine have not been banned by the FDA and are still sold legally). The ephedra alkaloids, including ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, stimulate the brain, increase heart rate, constrict blood vessels, and expand bronchial tubes). Their thermogenic properties cause an increase in metabolism, as evidenced by an increase in body heat). Ephedra is widely used by athletes as a performance-enhancing drug, despite a lack of evidence that it improves athletic performance).
Although some studies suggest that ephedra may improve weight loss, the information overall regarding its effectiveness for weight loss, energy, or athletic performance has been inconclusive and controversial. Supplements containing specific types of compounds found in ephedra, called ephedrine alkaloids, have been banned in several countries, including the United States, due to safety concerns.
In summary, ephedra is a stimulant herb that contains ephedrine, which is responsible for its therapeutic effects and serious safety concerns. It is banned by the US FDA and several sports organizations. Ephedra is used for weight loss, athletic performance, allergies, nasal congestion, asthma, common cold, headache, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids have been banned in several countries due to safety concerns.
