Herbal Ephedra

Is there any real difference between herbal ephedra and ephedra? Since all types of ephedra are derived from an herb called ma huang, the short answer is no. However, the term "herbal ephedra" is often used to distinguish weight loss products from ephedrine HCL, a pharmaceutically manufactured product used as an expectorant for asthma and as a nasal decongestant.

Ephedrine alkaloids are found naturally in a number of plants, but can also be produced synthetically in the lab. These non-herbal synthetic ephedra compounds have been illegal in the United States for quite a long time. This was even before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned all products containing ephedra.

The majority of weight loss products and dietary supplements made with herbal ephedra assert that they are all-natural. This statement often leads consumers to believe that they are purchasing a much safer product. However, the truth of the matter is most of the supplements are combined with other substances to increase their effectiveness.

Caffeine is perhaps the substance most commonly mixed with herbal ephedra. This probably contributes to the nervousness and sleeplessness that many people who take supplements containing herbal ephedra experience. However, these are very minor side effects compared to some of the adverse reactions several people have had to herbal ephedra.

Herbal Ephedra's Troubled History

Because dietary supplements are not regulated like prescription drugs, a study was commissioned to ascertain the effectiveness as well as the safety of herbal ephedra. The study did reveal a significant amount of short-term weight loss, if intake of the supplement was limited to six months. However, it also revealed that several serious side effects were associated with the substance if it was taken for longer periods of time. Today, there are plenty of other weight loss and energy boosting supplements that are formulated without ephedra.