About Ephedrine

Overview

Ephedrine is the principle component in ephedra, an herb used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, and more recently marketed as an ingredient in dietary supplements. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, more than 900 events of possible ephedra toxicity were reported to the FDA between 1995 and 1997.

Definition

Ephedrine is, in the words of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, "an amphetamine-like compound that can powerfully stimulate the nervous system and heart." It is derived from botanical sources. The ephedra species of plants is known in traditional Chinese medicine as ma huang, epitonin or Chinese ephedra.

Banned

Dietary supplement manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their products before they reach the market, but the FDA is able to take action on supplements deemed to be unsafe after they reach market. The FDA acted to ban the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedra or other sources of ephedrine alkaloids on April 12, 2004. Acting under this authority in 2005, U.S. marshals seized over 2,000 bottles of a supplement containing ephedra.

Allowed

Ephedrine-containing products, including ephedra, are still permitted for use in the practice of traditional medicine and when marketed as conventional food products such as tea. Traditional medicinal use of ephedra took place in a different form than the compounds that were marketed as contemporary supplements.

Uses

Plants containing ephedrine, such as ephedra, were used in Chinese medicine to treat asthma and hay fever. More recently, modern formulations of ephedra were used to boost energy, aid weight loss and were marketed as exercise aids, although there was no scientific proof as to their efficacy.

Side Effects

Some of the side effects associated with ephedrine alkaloids include nervousness, dizziness, shaking or tremors, headaches, irritability, vomiting and insomnia. It's also possible to become dependent on products such as ephedra. In higher doses, ephedra has caused stroke, seizures, heart attack, chest pain and irregular heartbeat so severe it leads to death. When taken with caffeine, the potential for adverse side effects from ephedra increases.