ANSWER: Ephedra sinica, the herb also known as Ma Huang, is the one that was outlawed by the FDA and can no longer be legally sold as a dietary supplement. The major reason is the potential danger from the ephedra alkaloids, which are stimulant compounds that can represent an unreasonable risk of illness or injury.
What plants produce ephedrine?
Ephedrine, a precursor of methamphetamine, is the active alkaloid of the plant Ephedra vulgaris, which has been used in China for centuries as the herb Ma Huang.
What’s the difference between ephedra and ephedrine?
Ephedrine is a chemical contained in the ephedra herb. Ephedrine has medical uses, mostly in operating rooms and intensive care units. Its chemical properties raise blood pressure and heart rate and open up the large air passages in the lungs.
Is ephedra legal in Australia?
The sponsor has proposed that the product will be a pharmaceutical alternative to ephedrine sulfate which is currently marketed in Australia. Ephedrine sulfate is a grandfathered product and has been registered since 1984.
Is ephedrine legal in the US?
Ephedrine, one of the main components in ephedra, can boost metabolism and cause weight loss — especially in combination with caffeine. Still, due to safety concerns, dietary supplements containing ephedrine — but not necessarily other compounds in ephedra — are currently banned in the United States and elsewhere.
What is a substitute for ephedrine?
Some of the popular alternatives include guarana, bitter orange and green tea extract. Pharmacist Russell Zukin warns, “These are stimulant kind of medications which can increase blood pressure, decrease appetite and in high enough doses can cause death.” You may also read, Is it legal to hack back?
Is ephedrine a bronchodilator?
Ephedrine is a decongestant and bronchodilator used for the temporary relief of mild, intermittent asthma symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing. Check the answer of Is it legal to hang someone for stealing your horse?
Where is the ephedra plant found?
There are 40 known ephedra species distributed among the arid and semiarid regions of Asia, Europe, northern Africa, western North America, and South America. They can grow from sea level up to 5,000 meters high in the Himalayan and Andes mountains.
Is yohimbine legal in Australia?
The main concerns with yohimbe as a dietary supplement are inaccurate labeling of the product and potentially serious side effects. For these reasons, yohimbe supplements are banned in many countries including Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom ( 10 ). Read: Is it legal to have a fox in Washington?
What is the ephedra plant used for?
Ephedra (Ephedra sinica), also called ma huang, is an herb that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for more than 5,000 years, primarily to treat asthma, bronchitis, and hay fever. Ephedra is also prescribed for symptoms of cold and flu, including nasal congestion, cough, fever, and chills.
Why do athletes take ephedrine?
Because ephedrine is a sympathomimetic and a central nervous system stimulant, it is commonly used as an energy enhancer. Ma huang-containing products are marketed and used to improve aerobic performance and endurance, reduce fatigue, increase alertness, improve reaction time, and even increase strength.
What is the price of ephedrine?
The cost for ephedrine intravenous solution (50 mg/mL) is around $407 for a supply of 10 milliliters, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans.
What is the generic name for ephedrine?
Ephedrine is also used to treat breathing problems (as a bronchodilator), nasal congestion (as a decongestant), myasthenia gravis, narcolepsy, menstrual problems (dysmenorrhea), or urine-control problems. Ephedrine is available under the following different brand names: Akovaz, and Corphedra.
What is ephedrine in?
Synthetic ephedrine and pseudoephedrine
How is ephedrine made synthetically?
Natural ephedrine is prepared by extraction from Ephedra plants. This process is typically employed for ephedrine manufactured in China. Semi-synthetic ephedrine is prepared by fermentation of sugar followed by amination, a process known to be used in India. Fully chemically synthesized ephedrine is produced elsewhere.
