The active ingredient in the natural herbs mentioned above are the Ephedrine Alkaloids. The synthetic kind in over-the-counter medicine is the Ephedrine HCL (HydroChLoride). For consumption, natural is always best. Ephedra is an herb that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for
over 5,000 years as a stimulant, for asthma, bronchitis, diuretic, allergies and cold and flu symptoms. Even today, ephedra is popular outside of traditional
Chinese medicine for weight loss and to enhance sports performance. Ephedra is listed as one of the original 365 herbs from the classical 1st century A.D. text on Chinese herbalism by Shen Nong. While
the active constituent, ephedrine, was isolated in 1887, it was not
until 1924 that the herb became popular with physicians in the US. for
its broncho-dilating and decongesting properties. As it's popularity continued to grow, fitness experts and bodybuilders discovered that a combination of ephedrine, caffeine and aspirin taken together, would help them burn fat for competition while sparing muscle mass. This thermogenic cocktail became popular as the ECA Stack and was found in many nutritional
supplements marketed for weight loss and performance enhancement.
Ephedrine
suppresses the appetite and increases the metabolic rate of adipose
tissue. Ephedrine activates the sympathetic nervous system, increasing
the metabolic rate and increasing the amount of the food converted to
heat (thermogenesis). This prevents the body from converting these
foods to fat, thus helping in the control of weight gain by those who
have low metabolism. Ephedrine
is often used in conjunction with methylxanthine sources such as
coffee, tea, cola nut, and guarana. The methylxanthines enhances the
thermogenic effect of ephedrine. Clinical studies have also shown that
aspirin may be effective in increasing the thermogenic effect of
ephedrine.
[ Is ephedra legal? ]
Contrary to popular misconception, ephedrine from
either a natural source (ephedrine alkaloids) or the synthetic kind
(ephedrine hcl) is legal to puchase and use as long as it is used
according to the FDA ruling. Here are some of the main points from the
entire ruling.
"The final rule does not apply to conventional food products that contain ephedrine alkaloids."
"This final rule also does not include OTC or prescription drugs that contain ephedrine alkaloids. The use of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine for the treatment of asthma, colds, allergies, or any other disease is beyond the scope of this final rule. Ephedrine is allowed as an active ingredient in oral OTC bronchodilator drugs for use in the treatment of medically diagnosed mild asthma (Sec. 341.16 (21 CFR 341.16)), when used within the established dosage limits and when the product is labeled in accordance with the required statements of identity, indications, warnings, and directions for use found in Sec. 341.76."
"Both ephedrine (topical) and pseudoephedrine (oral) are permitted as active ingredients for use as nasal decongestants (Sec. 341.20), when they are used within the dosage limits established by and labeled in accordance with Sec. 341.80. The topical use of ephedrine will not be further discussed in this rule because it is not relevant to oral consumption of ephedrine in dietary supplements. The use of ephedrine alkaloids in drug products is discussed in more detail in section V.B.3 of this document."
"Several Ephedra species (including those known as ma huang) have a long history of use in traditional Asian medicine. These products are beyond the scope of this rule because they are not marketed as dietary supplements. The use of ephedrine alkaloids in traditional Asian medicine is discussed in more detail in section V.B.5 of this document. As we describe there, this rule does not change how these products are regulated under the act."
You can read the entire final FDA ruling in regards to ephedrine here. As
you can see, the purchase and use of ephedrine both from a natural
(ephedrine alkaloids) or a synthetic source (ephedrine hcl) is legal.
You can safely use ephedrine "for the treatment of asthma, colds,
allergies, or any other disease." Note also that the maximum
recommended dosage the FDA has established for ephedrine consumption is
100mgs. per day and 25mgs per dose.
[ Ephedra Uses ]
The primary active ingredients in ephedra are the
alkaloids ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which act to stimulate the central nervous system, increase
heart rate, constrict blood vessels (which increases blood pressure),
dilate bronchial tubes (which makes it easier to breathe) and have
thermogenic properties (increases body heat and metabolic rate leading to weight loss).
A synthetic form of pseudoephedrine is found in over-the-counter
decongestants and cold medicines, and synthetic ephedrine (ephedrine hcl) is used to
treat asthma (but it has largely been replaced by newer medications).
Synthetic ephedrine and pseudoephedrine have also been used to make the
illicit street drug methamphetamine.
Other common uses are: Athletic performance enhancer, recreational stimulant and "energy booster". The most typical amounts in Ephedra, Ma Huang or Sida Cordifolia supplements are 10mgs or 25mgs per pill of the active ingredient Ephedrine Alkaloids. Some of the popular brands with 10mgs were Xenadrine RFA-1, Hydroxycut and Ripped Fuel. The 25mgs were Stack 2, Black Ice and the Mini Thins 25/50. Almost all brands contain the ECA Stack in varied forms in order to distinguish them from one another. The only difference in effectiveness comes from the amount "per serving" of Ephedrine Alkaloids. Most of the 10mgs pills require taking 2 pills at a time for a total of 20mgs per serving. The maximum per pill is 25mgs and the optimum amount per serving is 20mgs to 25mgs. For some users, a single serving of 10mgs will give 5 to 6 hours of energy, appetite suppression and fat burning. With a 20mgs to 25mgs serving, the same effects will last about 8 to 9 hours.
