Ephedra
Also known as ephedra sinica, ephedrine, herbal ephedra, ma huang
Key takeaways
- Ephedra and ephedrine are effective for weight loss and athletic performance, but safety concerns are prominent (PMID: 12672771).
- Caffeine-herbal ephedra combinations increase resting energy expenditure, heart rate, and blood pressure (PMID: 15730434).
- Ephedrine may promote weight loss in low-energy-adapted obese women (PMID: 3301709).
What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 11 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
Ephedra and its alkaloids (ephedrine) are stimulants used primarily for weight loss and athletic performance. Research indicates they can increase energy expenditure and promote weight loss, but these effects are often accompanied by significant cardiovascular risks.
By condition
Weight Management
Moderate
Ephedrine and ephedra-caffeine combinations increase resting energy expenditure and promote weight loss, though efficacy varies by diet and population.
Inflammation and Wound Healing
Weak
Preliminary evidence suggests Ephedra ciliata extracts may promote wound healing by downregulating TNF-α.
Effective doses
Specific dose ranges were not provided in the provided abstracts, though studies focused on chronic administration during low-calorie diets.
Safety & interactions
Significant cardiovascular risks including increased heart rate and blood pressure; potential for dangerous interactions when combined with other stimulants like caffeine.
Limitations
Much of the evidence is based on older studies or small sample sizes, and there is a lack of long-term safety data for many formulations.
Top-rated Ephedra products
Ranked by safety score and evidence coverage
How it's sold
Data aggregated from 12 product labels
Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 11 sources, sorted by quality
**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:10.1002/1…
**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 CONTE…
**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 downregulatio…
**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 …
**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 sub…
**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 …
**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 Pharmaco…
**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):65…
**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…
**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 OBJECT…
Frequently asked questions
What is Ephedra and what is it used for?
Ephedra and its alkaloids, such as ephedrine, are stimulants primarily used for weight loss and improving athletic performance. Research indicates they can increase energy expenditure and promote weight loss, though efficacy varies by diet and population. Consumers should be aware that these benefits are often accompanied by significant safety concerns.
Does Ephedra work for weight loss?
There is moderate evidence that ephedrine and ephedra-caffeine combinations increase resting energy expenditure and promote weight loss. Studies suggest these effects may be particularly relevant for obese women on low-energy diets. However, the effectiveness can vary depending on the individual's diet and population characteristics.
Is Ephedra safe to use?
No, Ephedra carries significant cardiovascular risks, including increased heart rate and blood pressure. Due to these prominent safety concerns, it is generally not considered safe for general use. You should consult a healthcare provider before considering any stimulant-based supplement for health management.
What are the side effects of Ephedra?
The primary side effects are cardiovascular, including elevated heart rate and blood pressure. These risks are heightened when Ephedra is combined with other stimulants like caffeine. Because of these potential dangers, it is crucial to avoid self-medicating with this supplement without professional guidance.
Who should avoid taking Ephedra?
Individuals with cardiovascular conditions, those taking medications that affect heart rate or blood pressure, and people sensitive to stimulants should avoid Ephedra. It is also unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to the lack of safety data and potential risks. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine if a supplement is appropriate for your specific health profile.
Does Ephedra help with inflammation or wound healing?
Evidence for Ephedra's role in inflammation and wound healing is weak. Preliminary research suggests that extracts from Ephedra ciliata may promote wound healing by downregulating TNF-α, but this evidence is not robust. More rigorous studies are needed to confirm these potential benefits.
What is the effective dose of Ephedra?
Specific effective dose ranges for Ephedra were not provided in the available evidence summaries. Existing studies focused on chronic administration during low-calorie diets, but exact dosing guidelines are not established in the provided data. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice on supplementation.