Ephedra - What Is It Made Of?

What Is It Made Of?

The ephedra bush grows in the desert regions of Asia, North America, and other parts of the world. Not all ephedra plants contain ephedrine alkaloids. It is the alkaloid content of the plant that gives it a medicinal effect. The Asian ephedra plant typically has the highest concentration of ephedrine alkaloids.

The chemical formula for ephedrine is C10H15NO, which is very similar to the structure of amphetaminePronounced am-FETT-uh-meens; stimulant drugs that increase mental alertness, reduce appetite, and help keep users awake. or "speed," a widely abused stimulant that gives people a lot of energy. (A separate entry on amphetamines is available in this encyclopedia.) Like amphetamine, ephedrine alkaloids can have a powerfully stimulating effect on the heart. Former FDA commissioner David A. Kessler told the New York Times in 2003 that substances like ephedra are really drugs "masquerading as nutritional supplements."