What is ephedra?
Ephedra is a plant that contains the alkaloids ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. The whole plant is dried and powdered, and supplied either in pill form or as teas or extracts. Common ephedra-containing products include Ripped Fuel, Diet Fuel, Metabolift and Thermo Speed. Ephedra alkaloids are powerful stimulants that stimulate the heart, cause blood vessels to constrict, dilate the airways and increase heart rate. Ephedra is also known as Ma Huang, "Mormon tea" and "Squaw tea".
What is ephedra used for?
In China, ephedra has been used to treat symptoms of asthma and upper respiratory infections. Because of its stimulating effect on the nervous system, ephedra can be found in some popular weight loss and energy products. It can also be found in many over-the-counter cold and allergy medications.
Is ephedra safe?
Many suppliers of ephedra will tell you that, when used as directed, ephedra is safe to take. What they don't tell you is that the FDA has compiled more than 800 adverse events for ephedra, including heart attack, stroke, tremors, insomnia, and death. At least 17 deaths have been linked to supplements containing ephedra. Many ephedra containing products also contain caffeine, which intensifies its effects. Additionally, everyone has a different tolerance to ephedra. It is difficult to predict how each individual will respond.
Is ephedra legal?
Ephedra is not considered a food, nor is it considered a drug. Therefore, it is regulated as a supplement and is still considered to be legal. However, because of the concern of the FDA and health care providers, warning labels have been implemented to caution ephedra users from its potentially harmful effects.
In what products can I find ephedra?
Here are just a few of the products that contain ephedra. Any products promoting "energy", and combating fatigue will probably contain either ephedra, caffeine, Ginseng or all of the above. Check the label to be sure.
How can I make an informed choice on whether or not to try ephedra?
There are many good websites you can go to. Try:
- http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/ds-ephe2.html
- http://www.acsh.org/publications/priorities/0902/ecstasy.html
- http://www.theherbspecialist.com/save/ephedra.html
Also, take a moment to think why it is you want to take it. If it is for weight loss, remember that there is no good substitute for good food choices and daily exercise. Is it for increased energy? While ephedra might seem like a good "quick fix", many people report "crashes" in energy after stopping supplementation.
If you still have questions, feel free to call or email Franca Alphin, R.D. at alphi001@mc.duke.edu or 613-7486.