Ephedrine, the most commonly used ingredient from the ephedra plant, acts as a stimulate in the body. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter found in the sympathetic nervous system. It is also an important hormone that regulates many functions in your body. According to "Brain Norepinephrine: Neurobiology and Therapeutics," ephedra enhances the release of norepinephrine in your body.
Ephedra
According to "Ephedra Fact and Fiction" by Mike Fillon, ephedra sinica is the variety of ephedra plant that has the highest levels of ephedrine. The two main components of ephedra are ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is an alkaloid that contributes to the medicinal action of the plant. Traditional Chinese medicine has used ephedra for thousands of years to treat many ailments, including respiratory conditions.
Effects of Ephedra
The stimulant effects of ephedra can magnify when combined with other ingredients such as aspirin or caffeine. Because ephedra increases your metabolism, it can also cause heatstroke. Additionally, when combined with other stimulants, ephedra and have life-threatening side effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of ephedra unless used as part of traditional Chinese medicine. Side effects associated with the use of ephedra include death, psychosis, seizures and strokes.
Norepinephrine
Your sympathetic nervous system stimulates large internal organs, the heart, blood vessels, sweat glands and the adrenal medulla in your brain. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter and a hormone. When released as a hormone by your adrenal gland, norepinephrine works alongside epinephrine and adrenaline to supply your body with energy in times of perceived danger or stress. This is known as your body's fight-or-flight response. As a neurotransmitter, norepinephrine transmits nerve impulses between neurons.
Uses
Norepinephrine is part of biological compounds known as catecholamines. When there is an adequate level of norepinephrine in your system, you can experience a feeling of well being. However, according to "Brain Norepinephrine: Neurobiology and Therapeutics" by Gregory A. Ordway et al., too much norepinephrine can create anxiety, fear and psychological conditions that manifest as schizophrenia or anxiety disorder. Norepinephrine also functions in arousal, energy, stimulation and euphoria. Deficiencies of this hormone can result in lack of energy, mood changes and depression.
References
- "Ephedra Fact and Fiction: How Politics, the Press and Special Interests are Targeting Your Rights to Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs"; Mike Fillon; 2004
- "Brain Norepinephrine: Neurobiology and Therapeutics"; Gregory A. Ordway, Michael A. Schwartz and Alan Frazer; 2007
- "Human Physiology: The Mechanisms of Body Function"; Arthur Vander et al; 1998
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Dennis Kasper et al; 2004
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