Ephedra
Level 5 — High concernIn Winter's Dictionary
Ephedra is a other — Herb containing ephedrine alkaloids
Also: Ma Huang, Mormon Tea
What it does
Herb containing ephedrine alkaloids
Where you'll see it
Dietary supplements (banned)
What the research says
Amphetamine-like compounds with powerful stimulant effects. Adverse events include high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, insomnia, seizures, heart attacks, strokes, death.
Regulatory status
- US FDA: BAN
- Notes: FDA banned use of ephedrine in dietary supplements in 2004
Sources
- A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): Reported adverse events range from episodes of high blood pressure, irregularities in heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, tremors, and headaches to seizures, heart attacks, strokes, and death