Electrocardiographic effects of an Ephedra-Free, multicomponent weight-loss supplement in healthy volunteers

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#adult #anti-obesity-agents #cross-over-studies #double-blind-method #electrocardiography

Electrocardiographic effects of an Ephedra-Free, multicomponent weight-loss supplement in healthy volunteers

Min et al., 2005 | Pharmacotherapy | Rct

Citation

Min Bokyung, McBride Brian F, ... White C Michael. Electrocardiographic effects of an Ephedra-Free, multicomponent weight-loss supplement in healthy volunteers. Pharmacotherapy. 2005-May;25(5):654-9

Abstract

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Metabolife 356, an ephedra-containing weight-loss product, substantially increases the corrected QT (QTc) interval. Metabolife Ephedra Free, a similar supplement, contains caffeine and extracts of green tea, garcinia cambogia, and yerba mate. Its electrocardiographic (ECG) effects are not known. Therefore, we sought to determine the effect of this supplement on the QTc interval. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. SETTING: University of Connecticut, Storrs Campus. SUBJECTS: Twenty healthy volunteers. Intervention. A single capsule containing half the normal recommended dose of Metabolife Ephedra Free or matching placebo was administered in crossover fashion, with a 7-day washout period between treatments. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Baseline and three postdose ECG measurements were obtained, and QTc intervals were measured over a 5-hour study period. No significant differences in the QTc interval or other ECG variables were observed between the Metabolife Ephedra Free and placebo groups. CONCLUSION: At half the recommended single dose, Metabolife Ephedra Free does not affect the QTc interval or other ECG variables over 5 hours. Dose-response studies and studies of longer duration should be conducted.

Key Findings

Baseline and three postdose ECG measurements were obtained, and QTc intervals were measured over a 5-hour study period. No significant differences in the QTc interval or other ECG variables were observed between the Metabolife Ephedra Free and placebo groups.

Outcomes Measured

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Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Obesity Agents
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Electrocardiography
  • Ephedra
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Preparations

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: ephedra

Provenance

  • PMID: 15899726
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09