Ephedra (Ma huang) information


Source:
Ephedra sinica (Ma huang) - is native to northern China and inner Mongolia where it grows in dry regions with full sun and a sandy soil. The plant has long jointed branches without bark that resemble a horse tail. The stalks have few leaves that produce small yellow greenish flowers near the joints. The Ephedra plant is harvested in the autumn months.



Traditional uses:
Ephedra has been utilized in by Chinese medicine for over 2,500 years as a stimulant and for the treatment of asthma, respiratory infections, congestion, hay fever, pain of rheumatism, etc.

Physiology:
Ephedra is used as a thermogenic weight loss supplement secondary to its ability to increase the basal metabolic rate (BMR), enabling the body to burn more calories. Ephedra increases thermogenesis by stimulating the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine a class of hormones known as catecholamines. These catecholamines stimulate cell receptors known as alpha and beta receptors. Each alpha or beta receptor when stimulated elicits a unique response:

  • Effective in restoring potency in diabetic and heart patients who suffer from impotency
  • Has been used in traditional medicine to treat angina and hypertension
  • Effective weight loss agent
  • Increase overall stamina and endurance
  • Promotes generalized feeling of well being

Clinical Studies:
Please review the following article:
Ephedra Confirmed Safe and Effective for Weight Loss
DataMonitor Healthcare Newswire
Novenber 22, 2001
Two recently published studies by separate researchers, reported by the Ephedra Education Council and published in abstracts by the Obesity Research and the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, add to the growing body of evidence that Ephedra is safe and effective for weight loss when consumed and used as directed.

"This research is important to the millions who need to lose weight. The number of overweight adults continues to be at epidemic levels. It is the latest in a series of clinical studies that support the safety of Ephedra at a time when there is no clinical research linking dietary supplements containing Ephedra to significant adverse events," said Wes Siegner, spokesperson for the Ephedra Education Council, to the press. "While longer-term studies ultimately will be more conclusive, the findings of these clinical trials continue to confirm Ephedra's safety."

In two separate clinical trials involving healthy adults, researchers found that herbal Ephedra, when combined with caffeine, aided in safe weight loss.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, and conducted by Miami Research Associates and MetaResponse Sciences, tested the effect of an Ephedra and caffeine supplement on heart rate variability, blood sugar, serial EKGs and body temperature. Researchers found that Ephedra did not have a significant impact on any of the above characteristics, but was successful in producing weight and fat loss, in comparison to the control group.

Modern day uses:
In addition to the positive effects mentioned above, physicians and herbal specialists prescribe Ephedra for the following benefits:

  • Appetite suppressant properties, Ephedrine closely resembles the molecular structure of methamphetamine, however, the actions on the central nervous system are longer acting and less potent than epinephrine. This combination makes Ephedrine an excellent appetite suppressant allowing individuals to successfully lose unwanted pounds.
  • Increased energy levels
  • Promotes concentration and alertness
  • Increased sexual sensations
  • Stimulates circulation
  • Relieve of allergy and asthma symptoms (Ephedrine has been used for years as the major ingredient in many over-the-counter allergy, cold and asthma medications)
  • Used to treat the symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections

Precautions and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding and children should also consult with there physician prior to taking any new supplements. More specifically, individuals should consult with their physician prior to taking the herb particularly if they have a history of any medical conditions including the following:

  • Hypertension
  • Heart complications
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Bipolar disease
  • Methyldopa
  • Psychosis
  • Thyroid disease
  • Pregnant or nursing

Please note: the above list is only a summary and is not all inclusive of all the preexisting medical conditions that should warrant not taking Ephedra. Please consult with your physician if you have a history of any preexisting medical conditions.

Some medications when combined with Ephedra can result in complications, individuals should consult with their physician prior to taking Ephedra if they are taking any of the following medications:

  • Antidepressants
  • Beta blockers
  • Digitalis
  • Oral Corticosteroids
  • Epinephrine
  • Mixed amphetamines
  • Psuedoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine (ingredients found in certain allergy, asthma, cold/cough control products)
  • MAO inhibitors
  • Theophylline
  • Meridia

Please note: the above list is only a summary and is not all inclusive of the medications that may react with Ephedra. Please consult with your physician if you are taking any prescription and/or over-the-counter-medications or supplements.

Individuals should also be advised that extreme side effects including sudden death may be associated with combining Ephedra with illicit drugs including cocaine, marijuana, etc. Serious consequences can also result from taking excessive amounts of the Ephedra. Individuals should adhere to the recommended dose presented on the label (return to homepage).