Herbal Commentary-Ephedra

One of the main alkaloids in ephedra, known as “ephedrine” was first isolated and described by Nagai in 1885.  Since then, research has indicated that ephedrine and pseudoephederine (the other main alkaloid) stimulate brain activity, raise heart rate, narrow blood vessels and dilate the bronchial tubes.  Another effect of ephedra is a quicker metabolism as shown by increased body heat.  Due to its significant stimulatory effects, many athletes have used ephedra believing it will increase their performance.  Others have taken ephedra as a weight loss, aid; sometimes with aspirin and caffeine.  There are many serious side-effects associated with ephedra including dehydration, hyperthermia, irregular heartbeat, heart attack and stroke and death.  These should be given adequate consideration when using it for athletics, or in combination with caffeine.  Both of these raise one’s heartbeat without the use of ephedra, and thus cardiac events become more likely to occur.  In 2004, the FDA banned the sale of all ephedra supplements in the U.S. after mounting concerns over serious side-effects.  Ephedra represents a prime-example of why supplements should be meticulously studied with independent verification.  Many consumers purchase supplements from seeing catchy claims on packaging labels, and do not consider unintended consequences.  Also the supplement industry holds enormous lobbying power which, in the case of ephedra, has been in attempts to block independent studies and promote industry-friendly legislation.  As always, consumers should educate themselves, avoiding bias to create informed decisions for the betterment of their health. 

 

­-http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/ephedra