What is the source of ephedra?

What is the source of ephedra?

Various Asian plants, particularly ma huang (Ephedra sinica), have been used as sources of the drug ephedrine. Ephedra has been a common herbal medicine in China for thousands of years, and several species are important in Ayurvedic medicine.

Where can ephedrine be found?

Ephedrine is obtained from the plant Ephedra sinica and other members of the genus Ephedra, from which the name of the substance is derived. Raw materials for the manufacture of ephedrine and traditional Chinese medicines are produced in China on a large scale.

Is ephedrine legal in the US?

While FDA-approved ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products remain available “behind the counter” as drugs (in some asthma medications, for instance, and in cold medicine, like Sudafed), ephedrine supplements are banned.

How do you get ephedrine over the counter?

Ephedrine is available over-the-counter (OTC) as an oral medication in combination with the expectorant guaifenesin, and comes in the form of tablets, caplets, or syrup….Common brands containing ephedrine:

1. Bronkaid®
2. Primatene® Tablets.
3. Store Brands (ex: Walmart’s “Equate” store brand or CVS Health store brand)

What plants have ephedra in them?

The family Ephedraceae, of which Ephedra is the only genus, are gymnosperms, and generally shrubs, sometimes clambering vines, and rarely, small trees.

When did ephedra become illegal?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the sale of ephedra-containing products in April 2004 in response to mounting scientific evidence and the receipt of more than 18,000 adverse-event reports.

What plant produces ephedrine?

plant Ephedra vulgaris
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. Ma Huang was extensively marketed as a stimulant and weight loss product, and is popular among adolescents.

When did ephedrine become illegal?

2004
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids (stimulant compounds found in Ephedra sinica and some other plants) in the United States in 2004.

What supplements are stimulants?

What are common stimulant ingredients found in foods, beverages & dietary supplements?

• B-complex vitamins.
• Caffeine.
• Carnitine.
• Ginseng.
• Guarana.
• Taurine.

Is it illegal to have ephedrine?

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.