Ephedra Warnings Increase

Over 100 deaths and thousands of cases of side effects have been linked to ephedra. Up to 17 million Americans use ephedra for weight loss or better athletic performance.

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What is Ephedra:

Ephedra Is An Herb
Ephedra sinica, also known as ma huang, is the plant most commonly used as a source of Ephedra products. Ma huang is a popular dietary supplement in the United States and has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine. Ephedra includes "ephedrine alkaloids," which are naturally occurring compounds that are found in plants.

Ephedra dietary supplements generally contain standardized extracts that have 6 to 8 percent ephedrine alkaloids. Manufacturers are required by law to declare the amount of ephedrine alkaloids in each serving.

There is a difference between ephedrine alkaloids and synthetic ephedrine. Ephedrine is only one of the naturally occurring alkaloids present in Ephedra extracts. Other alkaloids include pseudoephedrine (which is less potent than ephedrine) and alkaloids that slow the absorption of ephedrine from the digestive tract and/or counteract the stimulant effects of the ephedrine in the extracts. However, synthetic ephedrine, which is used in a number of common cold remedies, is not a naturally occurring substance. Synthetic ephedrine can be easily identified on the label of these cold products as "ephedrine hydrocloride."

The majority of Ephedra products contain naturally occurring ephedrine alkaloids. Industry standards and some state laws prohibit the use of synthetic ephedrine in Ephedra dietary supplement products. If a product contains synthetic ephedrine, the EEC recommends that you not purchase the product. br>
From the supporters of Ephedra - http://www.ephedrafacts.com/

Why is Ephedra used?

Adverse Events with Ephedra and Other Botanical Dietary Supplements

The FDA has been receiving increasing numbers of reports recently of adverse events associated with the use of certain products marketed as dietary supplements for weight loss, energy, and ergogenic (performance-enhancing) and body-building purposes. These apparently diverse categories of products often contain a number of similar ingredients, including Ma huang (Ephedra sinica or Chinese ephedra, a botanical source of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and norpseudoephedrine), guarana or Kola nut (caffeine sources), white willow (salicin source), and chromium. They may also contain various amino acids, glandular products, or other nutrients. They are touted for their reported stimulant effects (pep or energy) and their ability to enhance metabolism with subsequent weight loss (so-called "fat burners"). Read more...

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FTC Charges Marketers of Ephedra With Making Deceptive Efficacy and Safety Claims

FTC Also Challenges Advertising Claims for Additional Dietary Supplements

July 1, 2003 - The Federal Trade Commission today announced three enforcement actions against direct marketers of weight-loss products containing ephedra. The two settlements and one complaint, filed in U.S. district court, target deceptive efficacy, safety, and “no side effects” claims for weight loss supplements containing ephedra (also known as Ma Huang). The FTC actions challenge false advertising claims that the ephedra supplements cause rapid, substantial, and permanent weight-loss without diet or exercise, and that “clinical studies” or “medical research” prove these claims. The FTC also challenges claims that the ephedra weight-loss products are “100% safe,” “perfectly safe,” or have “no side effects.” Click 7/01/03*

FDA Review Of Ephedra A Test Of Agency's Power

July 31, 2003 - Sean Riggins' death came five years after the Food and Drug Administration first tried to restrict sales of the popular dietary supplement ephedra to American consumers.
As the FDA takes another look at products containing ephedra, Sean's father, Kevin, has trouble understanding why his son, an athletic Illinois 16-year-old, died last year of a heart attack that has been linked to ephedra. And Kevin Riggins wonders about the role of the FDA in protecting Americans. Click to story... Hartford Courant

HHS Acts to Reduce Potential Risks of Dietary Supplements Containing Ephedra

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced a series of actions designed to protect Americans from potentially serious risks of dietary supplement products containing ephedra. Click to story... FDA

Consumer Reports Says Don’t Take Ephedra or Others Like It

Feb. 26, 2003 - Consumer Reports Magazine has been warning about the dangers of the herbal stimulant ephedra, and after new suspicions caused by the death of a professional athlete, they want the FDA to ban it. Click 5/26/03

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