What is Ephedrine?

Ephedrine, a stimulating herb that grows in arid regions of the world, goes by such names as: Mormon Tea, Ma Huang, Squaw Tea, and Herbal Ecstasy. The Chinese have used this herb for over 5,000 years, particularly to treat asthma and reduce upper respiratory infections. The primary active ingredient of Ma Huang is ephedra. Pseudo-ephedrine is a chemical isomer that is similar to ephedra. Both ephedrine and ephedra stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, causing vasoconstriction of the blood vessels in the lining of the nose. They also dilate the bronchial tubes and stimulates the heart. Benefits body building and endurance athletes by promoting themogenesis (the burning of fat).

Ephedra has the ability to open up the adrenergic receptor sites (switches) found primarily in the heart and lungs, thereby increasing the metabolic rate and calorie consumption. The net results is release of fatty acids from stored fat cells and a quicker consumption of the fat into energy. When ephedra is combined with a modest amount of caffeine as found in green tea extract or Guarana, the thermogenic effects can be improved as much as 20% (optimum ratio of ephedra to caffeine is 20mg to 200mg taken 3 times a day). Ephedra also tends to increase the contractile strength of muscle fibers, which allows body builders to work harder and heavier.

Ancient Chinese physicians prescribed this herb for asthma, hay fever, nasal and chest congestion. Known for the sense of well being reported by its users. This herb tea has been used by health tonic, a natural stimulant and an appetite suppressant. Believed to be a powerful fat burner; weight watchers have noticed that it makes the body heat up and burn fat ( this is known as the thermogenic effect).

MA HUANG (Ephedra sinensis):

This plant contains ephedrine and pseudoephedrine which are used in over the counter medications for asthma (ephedrines) and as a nasal decongestant (pseudoephedrine). Ma huang is also sold as a stimulant and weight loss product. Like caffeinated beverages, ephedrine-containing products apparently can be consumed safely in moderate amounts by healthy people.

Ma huang is included in some diet formula where it functions as an appetite suppressant. Its mechanism of activity in this use is the same as the only FDA approved over the counter appetite suppressant, phenylpropanolamine (ppa). PPA lacks the central nervous stimulation exhibited by the Ephedra alkaloids but has the same contraindications and is subject to the same cautions. Ephedra contains both pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, collectively referred to as Ephedra alkaloids.

Most people have heard of the abuse of amphetamines as diet pills prescribed by doctors in the 1960's and '70's. Like amphetamines, Ephedra (ma huang), and the chemical compound ephedrine, can be dangerous if abused. While the cautions for ephedra and caffeine are similar, ephedra has greater cardiovascular activity than caffeine. Ephedra is often combined in diet or energy products with caffeine or a natural caffeine source such as kola nut, guarana, or tea. The combination of these two different types of stimulants can be especially powerful.

What does it do and what scientific studies give evidence to support this?

Ephedrine is a powerful stimulator that increases metabolism. Ephedra has been used widely to treat many conditions such as the common cold, asthma, and congestion of the bronchial tubes. Research conducted on this herb has shown that it has awesome implications for bodybuilders, weight-trainers, and athletes. Some of the incredible effects are weight loss, metabolizing (burning) fat, and muscle maintenance.

Who needs it and what are some symptoms of deficiency?

Athletes have taken ephedra for a number of years to enhance performance. Bodybuilders can benefit from supplementation of ephedrine in many ways. The herb not only promotes the breakdown of fat cells, but also stimulates the biochemistry of muscles, while enhancing performance.

It is also a very important ingredient in cold medicines and can help asthmatics and those who suffer from bronchial ailments such as congestion or cough. All this and it helps people with obesity to lose weight.

Are there any side effects?

Keep out of the reach of children. Not intended for persons under 18 years of age. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing. Do not use if you are at risk or being treated for high blood pressure, liver, thyroid, or psychiatric disease, diabetes, pernicious anemia, nervousness, anxiety, depression, seizure disorder, cardiac arrhythmias, stroke, or pheochromacytoma. Do not use if you are at risk or being treated difficulty in urination due to prostate enlargement. Discontinue use and consult a health care practitioner if dizziness, sleeplessness, tremors, nervousness, headache, heart palpitations or tingling sensations occur. Consult your healthcare professional before use if you are taking an MAO inhibitor or other prescription drug.