Evidence supporting the use of: Ephedra
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ephedra, also known as Ma Huang, has been used historically in traditional Chinese medicine for respiratory issues but gained prominence in the late 20th century as an ingredient in dietary supplements marketed to athletes for weight loss and improved exercise performance. The scientific rationale behind its use in athletic and exercise aids stems from its content of ephedrine alkaloids, which are central nervous system stimulants. Several studies have demonstrated that ephedrine, especially when combined with caffeine, can produce modest increases in short-term physical performance, alertness, and energy expenditure, as well as small enhancements in weight loss and fat oxidation.

However, the evidence base is limited in both quality and duration; most studies are short-term and involve small sample sizes. The potential benefits in athletic performance are modest and mostly observed in endurance activities rather than strength or high-intensity exercise. Importantly, ephedra and its alkaloids have been associated with severe adverse effects, including hypertension, arrhythmias, stroke, and even death, which led to a ban on ephedra-containing supplements by the U.S. FDA in 2004. Thus, while there is some scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness as an athletic aid, the risks far outweigh the benefits, and its use is generally not recommended or permitted in sports settings.

More about Ephedra
More about Athletic and Exercise Aids

Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids

7-Keto-DHEA
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
glucose
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine

Products containing Ephedra

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.