What is it?

Ephedra or ma huang (its interchangeable herbal name) is an ancient Chinese herbal form of the powerful stimulant ephedrine. Recently, it has grown in popularity—both good and bad—throughout the world, as a most revered weight-loss aid because it has been shown in numerous studies to temporarily suppress appetite, is a natural stimulant, and acts as a thermogenic—burning more calories, faster. Yet, because of the media's recent attention on its "higher than normal" rate of Adverse Event reports to the FDA, ephedrine may be best known for its potential negative side effects.

How it works

Imagine you're crossing the street and a speeding car almost hits you. Within seconds, you begin to sweat, your heart pounds, and you feel almost out of breath. This is known as the "fight-or-flight" response. Well, consuming an herb called ephedra (or ma huang) appears to produce a similar result—due to increased adrenaline and central nervous system stimulation of beta-1,2 receptors. In essence, it increases blood pressure and heart rate, makes you sweat, and increases blood flow to the heart, brain, and muscles. Only it may last quite a bit longer than your body's immediate response to avoiding a car—more like 20 to 30 minutes. This internal act, in turn, raises the body's core temperature—a process called thermogenesis—and helps break down (burn) fat cells.

What does the science say?

Ephedrine has been shown in numerous studies to be an effective weight-loss aid (as a thermogenic and appetite suppressant). Plus, research indicates it can temporarily enhance energy levels. Until recently, ephedrine was considered the most effective natural thermogenic on the market. However, you should know that since 1994, the FDA has received and investigated over 800 reports of Adverse Events (i.e., reactions) associated with products with ephedra (or ma huang). Reports that range from elevated blood pressure, muscle disturbances, insomnia, dry mouth, heart palpitations, nervousness, strokes, and even death.

Due to these reports, the FDA prompted a considerable study on ephedrine, entitled "Adverse Cardiovascular and Central Nervous System Events Associated with Dietary Supplements Containing Ephedra Alkaloids." The conclusion of the study, which was published in December of 2000, said "...the occurrence of events that caused permanent disability and death, we conclude that dietary supplements that contain ephedra alkaloids pose a serious health risk..." It's our take then that these findings indicate the need for a better understanding of individual susceptibility to the adverse effects of ephedrine, and it should be used with extreme caution or avoided altogether as a fat-loss supplement.

How to take it

For instant "energy" as a performance stimulant or to enhance the body's ability to burn fat, studies support taking from 12.5 to 25 mg of ephedrine two to three times daily. When using the herbal ma huang or ephedra extract (standardized for eight percent ephedrine alkaloids), 150 to 300 mg two to three times per day is reportedly effective.

Important Notice: Ephedra and ephdrine-containing supplements have recently been banned by the FDA (in December of 2003).