BANNED in dietary supplements: USA (FDA Final Rule 2004, 21 CFR 119), EU, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal. 155+ deaths and thousands of cardiovascular adverse events reported before USA ban. Risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, seizure, and death. Contraindicated with MAOIs, sympathomimetics, caffeine.
Traditional Chinese medicinal herb containing ephedrine alkaloids. BANNED in dietary supplements in USA (2004), EU, Canada, Australia due to cardiovascular deaths and serious adverse events.
Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine — stimulates alpha and beta adrenergic receptors. Raises heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Bronchodilator. Releases norepinephrine from nerve terminals.
All ephedra and ephedrine alkaloid-containing supplements banned.
Ephedra alkaloids banned from supplements across EU.
FDA banned all ephedrine alkaloid dietary supplements. Final rule 21 CFR 119. 155+ deaths reported.
| Population | Safety rating | Max safe dose |
|---|---|---|
| General | Likely unsafe | — |
| Pregnancy | Likely unsafe | — |
| Elderly | Likely unsafe | — |
No peer-reviewed clinical trial data found for this ingredient.
Data by supplement.ge — Public Health Institute of Georgia (PHIG)