Ephedra nevadensis, also known as Mormon tea, is a naturally occurring herb that is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States. Research has suggested that ephedra may aid in weight loss; however, the supplement is not approved for such use in this country. Consult your physician before taking ephedra or any other herbal supplement.
Ephedra Nevadensis
Ephedra is an herb derived from the Chinese plant ma-huang. According to Vanderbilt University, ephedra has been used for over 2,000 years to treat colds and influenzas. Ephedra nevadensis is the North American species and contains little or no traces of the alkaloids found in traditional ephedra. Synthetic ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, alkaloids from ephedra, are used in over-the-counter decongestants and in asthma medications. Ephedra has been the subject of research and controversy because of potentially dangerous side effects.
Weight Loss
Ephedra is often combined with other stimulants, such as caffeine and ginseng, to facilitate weight loss. Ephedrine is the component of Chinese ephedra that is most responsible for the weight-loss properties; however, it is not normally found in the North American version of the herb. Ephedra nevadensis likely does not cause much, if any, weight loss but more research is needed on the herb. The research on ephedra and weight loss has focused on the Chinese version of the herb and not on ephedra nevadensis.
Research
The United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality performed an extensive research review on the effects of ephedra on weight loss. AHRQ researchers investigated previous clinical trials on the herb to compile a thorough review. The meta-analysis found that the use of ephedra and ephedrine-containing herbs is correlated with a statistically significant short-term weight loss. The research further found that the addition of caffeine modestly increased weight loss. Participants taking caffeine plus ephedra lost two more pounds per month than the placebo group.
Side Effects
AHRQ stated that the there have been no long-term studies on the effects of ephedra. The longest study examined ephedra for six months. The Southern California Evidence-based Practice Center-RAND reviewed clinical trials for side effects. Some of these include nausea, vomiting, psychiatric symptoms, hyperactivity and palpitations. Other more serious side effects have been reported with ephedra including heart attacks and strokes, leading the FDA to ban certain dietary supplements containing ephedra in 2004.
References
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Ephedra and Ephedrine Alkaloids for Weight Loss and Athletic Performance
- Vanderbilt University; Ephedrine and Its Effect on Weight Loss?; Oliver Jolis
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Ephedra and Ephedrine for Weight Loss and Athletic Performance Enhancement Clinical Efficacy and Side Effects Summary
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA Acts to Remove Ephedra-Containing Dietary Supplements From Market
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