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As it stands, the future availability of ephedra in the United States is unknown. The FDA did make a brief statement
stating they would allow the sale of 10mg or less of Ephedra alkaloids per capsule. This would only be a recommendation because
currently, the FDA has no legal control over the herb.
We will keep a close eye on the rulings and report back as the finding are posted.
Ephedra (also known as Ma huang and epitonin) is the worlds most ancient medicines. The Chinese discovered
ephedra herb more than 5000 years ago. Varieties of the herb are also grown in Europe, India, Australia and Afghanistan. American
ephedra, native to the dry southwest, was used as tea by the early settlers, and was known as "Mormon tea" and "Squaw tea."
Ephedra
is commonly available as a whole plant dried and powdered. Also teas, extracts and decoctions from stems.
Ephedra contains two alkaloids, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Ephedrine, the main constituent, is a bronchodilator
and stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. It has valuable antispasmodic properties, acting on the air passages by relieving
swellings of the mucous membrane. Pseudoephedrine is a nasal decongestant and has less stimulating effect on the heart and
blood pressure. Physicians use these alkaloids to treat bronchial asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, persistent coughs, wheezing
and shortness of breath. Ma huang can help the body to break fevers and clear blocked sinuses. The alkaloids are also effective
in treating allergic skin reactions such as hives, relieve general body pain and treat low blood pressure, rheumatism and
narcolepsy.
Because of its stimulating effect on the nervous system, ephedra can be found in some popular weight loss
and energy products. For dieters it suppresses the appetite and stimulates the thyroid gland which stimulates metabolism.
Recently ma huang has been the subject of scientific research for obesity because of its thermogenic fat-burning effect on
dietary intake. Ephedra can cause peripheral vasoconstriction, elevation of blood pressure and cardiac stimulation, and is
often combined with other tonic herbs to help counteract these effects.
Ma huang is also found in "energy" products
that may give athletes extra energy without draining their reserves. People also indicate an increase in alertness and perception.
Similar to the diet formulas, it is often combined with ingredients such as kola nut or guarana which contain caffeine. Concerns
over the potency of this herb and its isolated alkaloids have prompted increased regulatory scrutiny and industry label warnings.
Contraindications and possible side effects should be listed on the bottle. Contraindications include general weakness, poor
digestion, high blood pressure, nervousness, sleeplessness, cardiac arrhythmia's and heart disease. It should not be used
if you are pregnant or nursing.
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