Healthy Skepticism Library item: 5944

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Keisler BD, Hosey RG.
Ergogenic aids: an update on ephedra.
Curr Sports Med Rep 2005 Aug 01; 4:(4):231-5

Abstract:

Ephedra has been used medicinally for thousands of years dating back to ancient Chinese medicine. Since its introduction to Western medicine in the 20th century, ephedra has been used for various ailments. The amphetamine-like activity of ephedra made it a popular supplement for promotion of weight loss and enhancement of athletic performance, despite limited supporting data. With the implementation of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulation of ephedra-containing supplements diminished. As these products became increasingly available, adverse effects associated with their use also increased. These adverse effects are mainly a result of ephedra’s sympathomimetic activity and have been manifested by premature cardiovascular and central nervous system disease. With mounting evidence concerning the unsafe nature of these products, the FDA was able to ban the sale of ephedra-containing dietary supplements in April of 2004.

Keywords:
Adult Anti-Obesity Agents/pharmacology Body Temperature Regulation/drug effects Cardiovascular Diseases/chemically induced Central Nervous System Diseases/chemically induced Dietary Supplements/adverse effects Doping in Sports/legislation & jurisprudence Doping in Sports/methods* Dose-Response Relationship, Drug Ephedra*/adverse effects Female Humans Male Plant Preparations*/adverse effects Product Surveillance, Postmarketing/methods United States United States Food and Drug Administration Weight Loss/drug effects