Evidence supporting the use of: Ephedrine
For the health condition: Energy (lack of)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Ephedrine is a naturally occurring alkaloid derived from plants in the Ephedra genus and has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. However, its use to combat lack of energy or as a stimulant is also supported by scientific evidence. Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine that stimulates the central nervous system (CNS), leading to increased alertness, reduced fatigue, and a temporary boost in energy. Clinical studies have shown that ephedrine increases metabolic rate and can enhance physical performance and wakefulness, primarily by increasing the release of norepinephrine.

Historically, Ephedra-containing preparations (Ma Huang) were used for respiratory conditions but also for fatigue and low energy. In the 20th century, purified ephedrine was used in various over-the-counter products marketed for energy and weight loss. However, concerns over safety—including cardiovascular side effects like hypertension, palpitations, and risk of stroke—led to regulatory bans or restrictions in many countries.

In summary, while there is clear scientific and historical support for ephedrine’s energizing effects, its use is limited due to significant safety concerns. The evidence rating is 3 out of 5: robust for acute stimulant effects, but tempered by the risk profile and lack of long-term safety data for this indication.

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Other ingredients used for Energy (lack of)

1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
7-Keto-DHEA
Acai berry
Acetyl L-carnitine
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
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alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
alpinia galangal
amino acids
Amor seco
anamu
animal protein
antler
Aralia
Ardisia
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arginine creatine
Arginine malate
Arginine silicate
ashwagandha
aspartic acid
atractylone
ba ji tian
banana
baobab
bee pollen
Beef liver
berry
beta phenethylalamine
beta-alanine
beta-hydroxybutyrate
biotin
black ginger
black pepper
blackthorn
Borassus aethiopum
borassus palm
borneol
bovine protein
bасора
caffeine
capsaicinoids
catecholamine
chia seed
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chuchuhuasi
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cistanche
coca
coconut
coconut milk
coconut oil
Codonopsis
Coenzyme A
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
cola nut
commiphora
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumen
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D-Ribose
deer root
deer velvet
Dendrobium
dextrates
dextrose
dragonhead
ecdysterone
egg
Egg protein
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
eleuthero
elk antler
ephedrine
Erodium cicutarium
Ethyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Eurycoma Longifolia
eurycomanone
folate
fungus
gamma-butyrobetaine
garden cress
ginseng
glucose
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guarana
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l-carnitine
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l-tyrosine
lemongrass
lipids
maca
macaenes
macamides
magnesium
malic acid
maral root
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
Methylliberine
Microbial enzymes (proprietary)
Milk
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ornithine L-aspartic acid
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oxaloacetic acid
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paraxanthine
peanut
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vitamin B12
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Products containing ephedrine

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