Ephedra

How You May Benefit:

Detoxify the body
Promote sweating to help flush away fever, flu, and cold toxins
Increase oxygen uptake
Relieve bronchial congestion caused by hay fever, colds, and asthma—allowing air to travel more freely through the lungs
Stimulate fat burning
Increase the rate of calorie expenditure and suppress appetite to support fat loss
Improve short-term energy
Temporarily increase energy output by activating the central nervous system as a stimulant

Overview

Ephedra or ma huang, as it's sometimes referred to, is an herbal form of the powerful stimulant ephedrine. Recently, it has grown in popularity—both good and bad—throughout the world as a most revered weight-loss aid because it has been shown in numerous studies to temporarily suppress appetite, is a natural stimulant, and acts as a thermogenic—burning more calories, faster.

Usage

Amount: For instant "energy" as a performance stimulant or to enhance the body's ability to burn fat, studies support taking from 12.5 to 25 mg of ephedrine 2 to 3 times daily. When using the herbal ma huang or ephedra extract (standardized for 8 percent ephedrine alkaloids), 150 to 300 mg 2 to 3 times per day is reportedly effective.

Timing: For fat loss or energy stimulation, ephedra should be taken before meals and/or 30 minutes prior to exercise.

Important to know: Because each person's reaction to stimulants may differ, some experimentation is needed to determine the optimal amount to consume. It may be worth starting with about 300 mg of ma huang (standardized for 6 to 8 percent or about 20 mg of ephedrine) and then determining if more is needed to produce the desired stimulating effects.

Tip: It's better to use ephedra earlier in the day and especially not near bedtime. Otherwise, you may increase the chances of insomnia, especially if you are sensitive to stimulants. Basically, it would be like drinking four cups of coffee before going to bed—it's not going to make it easy to fall asleep.

Ephedra has become one of the most talked about (both good and bad) supplements around, especially for those searching to transform their physiques because it both helps them shed bodyfat and maintain muscle mass. While this all-natural herbal fat-loss remedy has gained notoriety for helping burn more calories, faster, it's perhaps even more popular with athletes who report ephedra's ability to quickly stimulate the body and support sudden bursts of energy.

Questions and Answers

Q.   What does the research on ephedra show?

A.   Ephedra has been shown in numerous studies to be an effective weight-loss aid (as a thermogenic and appetite suppressant). Plus, research indicates it can temporarily enhance energy levels.

Q.   Could any other supplements make ephedra even more effective?

A.   The most popular "stack" used for fat loss is referred to as the "thermogenic cocktail," which contains ephedra combined with caffeine (in a 10 to 1 ratio) and aspirin. Many products contain all three together.

Q.   What's the most common amount of ephedra used to achieve optimal results?

A.   Ephedra is commonly used about 30 minutes before exercise on an empty stomach with doses ranging between 12 and 25 mg 3 times a day for fat loss. Ephedra is most beneficial (and safest) if used for 3 to 4 weeks followed by a 1- to 2-week break from the stimulant.

Q.   Can ephedra cause any side effects—is it safe?

A.   Because ephedra is a stimulant, overuse can be dangerous, and there can be negative side effects for those who have various health ailments, including high blood pressure or heart conditions. If used with common sense (i.e., following usage instructions), and if you are healthy, this stimulant can be both safe and effective. Please read all safety warnings before supplementing with ephedra.

Q.   Can I get the same effects of ephedra by taking other stimulants, such as ma huang?

A.   Ma huang is simply another name for ephedra, so the two can be used interchangeably. They're the same thing. There are other stimulants, such as caffeine and guarana, but ephedra (ma huang) has been shown to be the most effective for burning fat and increasing energy.

Safety Information

Safety:

Because ephedra (ma huang) may increase blood pressure and heart rate or cause insomnia, anxiety, and palpitations, it is best to consult with a nutritionally oriented doctor before using this herb if these conditions are present.

If you are pregnant or lactating, don't tolerate stimulants well, or have a preexisting heart condition, ephedra is not recommended.

Overuse of ephedra can cause jitteriness, irritability, insomnia, and can deplete nutrients from the body, but these effects are usually short-lived.

Not recommended for long-term use. After about three to four weeks of supplementing with ephedra, take one to two weeks off using the supplement.

Although alkaloids of ephedra can be found in certain medications for children, it is not recommended for children or anyone under 18 unless directed by a physician.

A recent report in the journal Neurology found that when over 32 mg of ephedra were taken, the risk of hemorrhagic stroke more than tripled.

Known drug interactions:
Patients taking antidepressants, beta-agonists, beta-blockers, or drugs to lower blood pressure may want to avoid use of ephedra—they may experience an increased number of side effects due to the interaction of their medication with ma huang.

Toxicity:
Fewer than 50 cases of toxicity have been reported in the scientific literature. The problems that have come to light are often of misuse (e.g., taking more than the suggested amount or using ephedra with medication that may have contraindicative effects).

Bans and Restrictions:

Banned in Florida, Texas, and restricted in some other states.

The FDA advises that ephedra not be taken by patients with heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, or an enlarged prostate (see "warning").

Banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

In December of last year, both the Army and the Air Forced joined the Marines and Navy in banning ephedra products from being sold in military post stores because it may increase strain on the heart.

The NFL has also banned the use of ephedra.

WARNING: Not for use by individuals under the age of 18. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Consult a physician or licensed, qualified health-care professional before using this product if you have, or have a family history of, heart disease, angina, thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, recurrent headaches, bleeding disorder, depression or other psychiatric condition, glaucoma, difficulty urinating, prostate enlargement, or seizure disorder; if you are using a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or any other dietary supplement, prescription drug, or over-the-counter drug containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine (ingredients found in certain decongestants and allergy, asthma, cough/cold, and weight-control products).

The maximum recommended serving of ephedrine for a healthy adult is 100 mg in a 24-hour period for not more than 12 weeks. Cycle this product, using it for no more than 12 weeks; then discontinue use for at least 2 weeks. Exceeding the recommended amount or use restrictions may cause serious adverse health effects, including heart attack and stroke.

Side effects may include insomnia, nervousness, or hand-tremors. Discontinue use and call a physician or licensed, qualified health-care professional immediately if you experience rapid heartbeat, dizziness, severe headache, shortness of breath, or other similar symptoms.

Individuals who consume caffeine or other stimulants with this product may experience serious adverse health effects. Improper use of this product may be hazardous to health. Improper use of this product includes but is not limited to: use of the product other than as recommended, use of this product in combination with aspirin, any anti-coagulant (blood thinner), or any other ephedrine group alkaloid or caffeine alkaloid or other ingredients that have a known stimulant effect. Do not use with alcohol. Do not use if you have a history of drug abuse. Do not fast when taking ephedra or ephedrine.

TEXAS: In Texas, sale to persons 17 years of age or younger is prohibited.

SPECIAL NOTE: Athletes who engage in intense, regular exercise should consume at least 120 oz of water per day. Drink an additional 16 oz of water for each pound of weight lost during exercise.

References

Bell, D.G., and Jacobs, I., "Combined Caffeine and Ephedrine Ingestion Improves Run Times of Canadian Forces Warrior Test," Aviat Space Environ Med 70.4 (1999) : 325-9.

Bell, D.G., et al., "Effects of Caffeine, Ephedrine and Their Combination on Time to Exhaustion During High-Intensity Exercise," Eur J Appl Physiol 77.5 (1998) : 427-33.

Bell, D.G., et al., "Reducing the Dose of Combined Caffeine and Ephedrine Preserves the Ergogenic Effect," Aviat Space Environ Med 71.4 (2000) : 415-9.

Gurley, B.J., et al., "Ephedrine Pharmacokinetics After the Ingestion of Nutritional Supplements Containing Ephedra sinica (ma huang)," Ther Drug Monit 20.4 (1998) : 439-45.

Morgenstern, L.B., et al., "Use of Ephedra-Containing Products and Risk for Hemorrhagic Stroke," Neurology 60 (2003) : 132-5.

Shannon, J.R., et al., "Acute Effect of Ephedrine on 24-h Energy Balance," Clin Sci (Colch) 96.5 (1999) : 483-91.

White, L.M., et al., "Pharmacokinetics and Cardiovascular Effects of Ma-Huang (Ephedra sinica) in Normotensive Adults," J Clin Pharmacol 37.2 (1997) : 116-22.

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