Ephedra
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Evidence Summary
Ephedra and its alkaloids, such as ephedrine, have been studied primarily for their metabolic effects on weight loss, athletic performance, and smoking cessation. While research indicates potential for increasing energy expenditure, significant cardiovascular risks are associated with its use.
Evidence by Condition
Research indicates that ephedra and ephedrine can increase energy expenditure and metabolic rate, particularly in the context of calorie-restricted diets.
Meta-analyses have investigated the efficacy of ephedra for enhancing athletic performance through metabolic stimulation.
Some evidence suggests that the combination of ephedrine and caffeine may assist in smoking cessation and managing post-cessation weight gain.
Studies on specific species like Ephedra ciliata suggest potential for promoting wound healing and reducing inflammation via TNF-α downregulation.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges are not explicitly provided in the provided research abstracts.
Key Findings
- Ephedra and ephedrine have been studied for their efficacy and safety regarding weight loss and athletic performance (PMID: 12672771).
- The combination of caffeine and herbal ephedra increases resting energy expenditure, heart rate, and blood pressure (PMID: 15730434).
- Methanolic extract of Ephedra ciliata may promote wound healing and arrest inflammatory cascades (PMID: 32385747).
Limitations
Much of the available research focuses on metabolic and weight-related outcomes, and there is a lack of recent large-scale human trials due to safety and regulatory restrictions.
Safety & Interactions
Use of ephedra, especially in combination with caffeine, is associated with increased heart rate and blood pressure, posing significant cardiovascular risks.
AI-generated summary from 11 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure/Function | 100% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| All Other | 92% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
🏛️ NIH ODS Factsheet
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (11)
**Spinks et al., 2011** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Spinks Anneliese, Wasiak Jason. Scopolamine (hyoscine) for preventing and treating motion sickness. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011-Jun-15;2011(6):CD002851. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD...
**Shekelle et al., 2003** | JAMA | Meta Analysis Shekelle Paul G, Hardy Mary L, ... Gagné James. Efficacy and safety of ephedra and ephedrine for weight loss and athletic performance: a meta-analysis. JAMA. 2003-Mar-26;289(12):1537-45 CONTEXT: Ephedr...
**Yaseen et al., 2020** | Inflammopharmacology | Meta Analysis Yaseen Hafiza Sidra, Asif Muhammad, ... Yaseen Maria. Methanolic extract of Ephedra ciliata promotes wound healing and arrests inflammatory cascade in vivo through downregulation of TNF-α...
**Shannon et al., 1999** | Clin Sci (Lond) | Rct Shannon J R, Gottesdiener K, ... Sun M. Acute effect of ephedrine on 24-h energy balance. Clin Sci (Lond). 1999-May;96(5):483-91 Ephedrine is used to help achieve weight control. Data on its true effic...
**Pasquali et al., 1992** | Clin Sci (Lond) | Rct Pasquali R, Casimirri F, ... Raitano A. Effects of chronic administration of ephedrine during very-low-calorie diets on energy expenditure, protein metabolism and hormone levels in obese subjects. Cli...
**Haller et al., 2005** | Am J Med | Rct Haller Christine A, Benowitz Neal L, Jacob Peyton. Hemodynamic effects of ephedra-free weight-loss supplements in humans. Am J Med. 2005-Sep;118(9):998-1003 PURPOSE: Ephedra-free weight loss dietary supplement...
**Vukovich et al., 2005** | Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol | Rct Vukovich Matthew D, Schoorman Rana, ... Benowitz Neal L. Caffeine-herbal ephedra combination increases resting energy expenditure, heart rate and blood pressure. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol....
**Min et al., 2005** | Pharmacotherapy | Rct 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 STUDY ...
**Pasquali et al., 1987** | Int J Obes | Rct Pasquali R, Cesari M P, ... Labo G. Does ephedrine promote weight loss in low-energy-adapted obese women?. Int J Obes. 1987;11(2):163-8 A double-blind cross-over randomized study was performed in 10 select...
**Nørregaard et al., 1996** | Clin Pharmacol Ther | Rct Nørregaard J, Jørgensen S, ... Jakobsen H B. The effect of ephedrine plus caffeine on smoking cessation and postcessation weight gain. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1996-Dec;60(6):679-86 OBJECTIVES: To e...
**Source:** [Office of Dietary Supplements, NIH](https://ods.od.nih.gov:443/factsheets/EphedraandEphedrine-HealthProfessional/) **Reading Level:** Health Professional This fact sheet from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements provides evidence-based ...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ephedra and what is it used for?
Ephedra is a supplement containing alkaloids like ephedrine that are primarily studied for their metabolic effects. It has been researched for its potential impact on weight loss, athletic performance, and smoking cessation.
Does Ephedra help with weight loss?
There is moderate evidence suggesting that Ephedra and ephedrine can increase your metabolic rate and energy expenditure, particularly when used alongside a calorie-restricted diet. However, these benefits come with significant cardiovascular risks.
Can Ephedra improve athletic performance?
There is moderate evidence that Ephedra may enhance athletic performance through metabolic stimulation. Research has investigated its ability to boost energy levels during physical activity.
Is Ephedra effective for quitting smoking?
There is weak evidence suggesting that a combination of ephedrine and caffeine may assist with smoking cessation and help manage weight gain after quitting. More research is needed to confirm these effects.
Is Ephedra safe to take?
Ephedra is associated with significant cardiovascular risks, including increased heart rate and blood pressure. These risks are notably higher when Ephedra is used in combination with caffeine.
Are there any known drug interactions with Ephedra?
There are currently no documented drug interactions for Ephedra in the available research. However, it is known to significantly increase heart rate and blood pressure when paired with caffeine.
What is the recommended dose of Ephedra?
There are no specific effective dose ranges provided in the current research. Because of the potential for serious cardiovascular side effects, you should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Who should avoid taking Ephedra?
Individuals with cardiovascular concerns should avoid Ephedra due to its association with increased heart rate and blood pressure. Always consult a doctor before starting this supplement.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.