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Most individuals involved in weight loss have heard of the herb, ephedra. We are aware of the controversy with ephedra, specifically, concerning the death of the Baltimore Oriole's pitcher, Steve Bechler. His death involved, among other things, the overuse of ephedra. This Chinese herb, ephedra sinica, also known as ma huang, is the plant most commonly used as a source of ephedra products. Ephedra includes "ephedrine alkaloids," which are naturally occurring compounds that are found in plants. There is a difference between ephedrine alkaloids and synthetic ephedrine. Ephedrine is only one of the naturally occurring alkaloids present in ephedra extracts. Other alkaloids include pseudoephedrine, an ingredient which is less potent than ephedrine. One can find this substance in the popular sinus medication, Sudafed¢ç.
Ephedrine was found to be useful in weight control quite by accident in 1974. A Danish physician, Dr. Eriksen, was treating asthmatic patients with a product composed of ephedrine, caffeine and phenobarbital. This combination created an "unintentional" loss of body weight in his patients. This finding was recognized almost immediately as a critical answer in the treatment for obesity. This evolved into the widespread use of the 3-ingredient combination until adverse reactions were attributed to the phenobarbital component. The FDA consequently banned phenobarbital from this weight loss combo, leaving the manufacturers with the ephedra/caffeine/guarana compound as the new weight loss strategy.
Although it has been absolutely proven that ephedra-containing products have been successful in helping to increase one's metabolic rate, as well as providing more energy, these products should be used with caution and discretion, especially if there is a history of heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, psychiatric conditions or any seizure disorders. There are many ongoing congressional hearings and studies being performed on ephedra today. Its future in the weight loss world is unknown at the present time. Because of the controversy and potential side effects associated with ephedra, most insurance companies are eliminating coverage on any ephedra-containing products. Thus, it becomes next to impossible for the manufacturers, retailers, and distributors to continue manufacturing or carrying any products containing ephedra. As with anything in this world, nothing is all good or all bad. For the hundreds of thousands that these products have helped in their obesity dilemma, this is a regretful situation. However, to save one person for the sake of thousands, this may well be the only answer.
In fact, on December 30, 2003, just prior to the printing of this article, the FDA issued a consumer alert on the safety of ephedra-containing products. This alert advised consumers to stop buying and using ephedra. The FDA also announced plans to publish a final rule within the next 60 days stating that ephedrine alkaloids present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury and should be removed from the market. While it is not clear what the final result will be, the FDA is certainly continuing to take steps on the Ephedra issue. |