Ephedrine & Sports

Ephedrine, or ephedra, is an herbal supplement that promises to increase energy and aid in weight loss. Products containing ephedrine work as thermogenics. They stimulate the brain and increase heart rate. In the sports industry, ephedrine was part of some stack formulas that also contained aspirin and caffeine. There has been controversy pertaining to this supplement and even deaths reported from its use. The adverse effects from ephedrine has eliminated it from the market in the United States. It is still available in some countries, but it's banned by many sports regulatory agencies.

Ma Huang

Ephedrine is a derivative of the Ma huang shrub, which is native to China but now grows in a number of countries. Chinese medicine has utilized herbal remedies that contain ephedrine for centuries. Website Holistic-Online reports the Ma huang is one of the original components listed in a text on Chinese herbalism written in the first century A.D. In 1924, doctors in the United States began prescribing this medication to reduce congestion. The thermogenic effect of ephedrine may increase energy levels and endurance, making it a go-to drug in the sports industry.

2000 Olympics Games

Due to the power ephedrine has to create energy and increase metabolism, it became a common ingredient in dietary supplements for exercise and fitness. The controversy surrounding the ephedrine use in sports became prominent in the 2000 Olympics. An October 2001 article in "Journal of Athletic Training" states that after the games, the World Anti-Doping Agency took a look at some of the nutritional supplements, including ephedrine, found to be widespread in sports. Until this time, use of natural, over-the-counter dietary supplements by athletes in the Olympics was considered safe.

Sports Deaths

In 2001, the Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Korey Stringer died suddenly of heatstroke while participating training camp. Ephedrine found in the player's locker after his death was thought to be a contributing factor. In February of 2003 there was another sports-related death from abuse of ephedrine. Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler died from heat stroke during spring training. The autopsy reveled toxicity from ephedrine complicated the heat-related death.

Banning

The first warning came from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2003. This initial release recommended consumers stop taking the supplement due to health risks. In April 2004, an FDA ban ended the sale of ephedrine in the United States. Sports regulatory agencies were ahead of the game in banning use of ephedrine by athletes. The ban from the National Football League came after Korey Stringer's death in 2001. Today, the International Olympic Committee, the National
Collegiate Athletic Association, International Federation of Football Associations and the World Anti-Doping Agency also carry bans on this substance.