What is ephedrine?

Ephedrine is a stimulant that activates the sympathetic nervous system. It is chemically synthesized for use as a drug in clinical practice, but ephedrine is also one of the ephedrine-type alkaloids that are extracted from plants in the Ephedra genus and have effects on the heart, vascular system, and other organs.^[1] Supplements derived from Ephedra plants (e.g., the Chinese botanical Ma Huang) are often referred to as “ephedra” and are marketed for many uses, including weight loss.^[2] Due to ephedra’s serious side effects, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedra and ephedrine-type alkaloids in the United States.^[3]