Ephedrine, the principle active ingredient in most species, was first isolated in 1885 by Nagayoshi Nagai, a Japanese chemist trained in Germany.
In the United States, ephedra containing supplements were widely promoted as weight loss aids because of their ephedrine content.
Quite similar to bitter orange, it acts as appetite suppressant reducing food intake. Ephedrine also has been shown to increase the effectiveness of thermogenesis (fat burning) in the body. It contributes to the release and blocks the re-uptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine.
It can cause heart problems, high blood pressure, sleeplessness and death. They have been banned in the market but can still be bought on the internet.
Ephedra for weight loss
