Ephedrine

Ephedrine alkaloids are amphetamine-like compounds with potentially powerful stimulant effects on the nervous system and heart. Hundreds of consumer illnesses and injuries associated with the use of ephedrine have been reported.

Ephedrine is an alkaloid from the leaves of Ephedra equisetina, E. Sinica, and other species (family Gnetaceae). It is also called Ephedra & Ma Huang, the plant source for the Alkaloid ephedrine. Ephedra, the plant that produces ephedrine is indigenous to China, India and parts of Southeast Asia .

Dangers of Ephedrine

Products containing ephedrine extracts have, according to the FDA, caused hundreds of illnesses including heart attacks, seizures, strokes and even 15 reported deaths. Ephedrine is an amphetamine-like compound with powerful and potentially lethal stimulant side effects on the central nervous system and the heart. Ephedrine side effects can cause rapid or irregular heartbeats (heart arrhythmias)

Ephedrine Side Effects

Ephedrine acts in a similar way as that of adrenaline. Ephedrine dilates the bronchial muscles, contacts the nasal mucosa, raises the blood pressure and is a cardiac stimulant. Further, ephedrine side effects include psychological side effects such as depression, nervousness, insomnia, and rapid heart rate. When taken in combination with caffeine, ephedrine can over-stimulate the central nervous system, leading to potentially life-threatening results.