Ephedrine Hcl Or Ephedra For Weight Loss

Ephedrine is the active ingredient in the herbal supplement ephedra, a related herbal remedy derived from a shrub native to the Indian subcontinent. Its primary use is in respiratory therapy, as it dilates airways and helps with breathing. Its use has been heavily regulated due to its side effects as a stimulant and its addictive nature in fitness and weight loss users.

History

Ephedra has been harvested for medical purposes for more than 5,000 years, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Its use is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine as a method of clearing blocked air passages caused by bronchial infections or asthma.

Weight Loss

Ephedrine speeds the metabolism, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, which translates into reduced fat storage and the faster processing of nutrients. A review of short-range studies by the RAND Corporation showed that ephedrine boosted weight loss by two pounds per month over the use of a placebo. However, no long-range study has ever been conducted to prove its effectiveness. According to the RAND study, ephedrine works best when paired with caffeine. The pairing showed a 14-ounce per month weight loss boost compared to ephedrine alone. The duo was responsible for a 2.2-pound monthly loss when compared to placebo.

Side Effects

Ephedra use causes a number of biological issues that increase stress levels on the body. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that ephedra causes heart palpitations, digestive distress and insomnia. In 2003 testimony given before Congress, FDA Commissioner Mark McClellan cited instances of heart attacks, stroke, seizure, psychiatric episodes and death. This testimony, in addition to its link to the production of the illegal drug methamphetamine, led to ephedra's ban as a weight-loss supplement in 2004 and strict regulation of its derivatives used in over-the-counter medications. A federal judge overturned the ban in 2005, which was reinstated by a higher court in 2006, according to the Associated Press.

Steve Bechler

The 2003 death of Steve Bechler, a professional baseball player in the Baltimore Orioles organization, brought new light to ephedra's dangers as a training aide. Bechler, a 23-year-old pitcher, was using ephedra to increase his metabolic rate and lose weight during pre-season training. The pitcher collapsed and died on February 17, 2004 from heat stroke. USA Today reported that Bechler's body temperature reached 108 degrees before he died after a workout in the hot, humid weather. The county medical examiner attributed ephedra toxicity to Bechler's death, reporting that he was consuming a mostly liquid diet, had high blood pressure and liver problems.

Use in Drug Manufacturing

Ephedrine is an amphetamine by definition, according to the American Council for Drug Education. It accelerates the central nervous system and boosts alertness. The drug is a common ingredient in methamphetamine, a powerfully addictive drug known as speed or crystal meth. The 2004 ban on ephedrine led to increased regulation of pseudophedrine --- the active ingredient in many nasal decongestants. This synthetic version of ephedrine is often substituted in meth-making process.