Dr. Grey AI

Ephedrine

Ephedrine is one of the four active components of the herb Ephedra. It is able to induce fat loss via increasing the amount of fat available for fuel as well as by increasing heat expenditure. It has been implicated in increasing the metabolic rate by up to 5% in humans. It has also been noted to cause serious side-effects in some instances, and its legal status varies by region.

Quick Answer

What it is

Ephedrine is one of the four active components of the herb Ephedra. It is able to induce fat loss via increasing the amount of fat available for fuel as well as by increasing heat expenditure.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Metabolic Rate (General Athletic Performance)
  • Grade C: Blood Pressure (High Blood Pressure)
  • Grade C: Appetite (Obesity)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Ephedrine

Quick Facts: Ephedrine

  • Best Evidence:Grade B
  • Conditions Studied:13
  • Research Outcomes:53
  • Grade B Findings:1
  • Key Effect:General Athletic Performance
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B1
C6
D2
13 conditions · 53 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
B
Metabolic Rate
Moderate Increase
moderate↑Improves
?
Power Output
1 study
↑Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
↑Improves
C
Blood Pressure
Small Detriment
2 studies
small
?
Weight
↓Improves
?
Body Fat
↓Improves
?
Heart Rate
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
C
Appetite
Small Decrease
small↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
?
Blood Pressure
Small Detriment
3 studies
small
?
Metabolic Rate
↑Improves
?
Heart Rate
↓Improves
?
Skeletal Muscle Atrophy
1 study
↓Worsens
C
Body Fat
Moderate Decrease
moderate↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
C
Body Fat
Moderate Decrease
moderate↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Metabolic Rate
↑Improves
?
Triglycerides
1 study
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
C
Body Fat
Moderate Decrease
moderate↓Improves
?
Heart Rate
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
C
Heart Rate
Small Increase
small↓Improves
?
Nasal Congestion
↑Improves
D
Power Output
No effect
1 study
none
?
Subjective Well-Being
↑Improves
D
Power Output
No effect
1 study
none
?
Subjective Well-Being
↑Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
?
Blood Pressure
Small Detriment
3 studies
small
?
Body Fat
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Metabolic Rate
↑Improves
?
Triglycerides
1 study
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
?
Blood Pressure
Small Detriment
1 study
small
?
Body Fat
↓Improves
?
Metabolic Rate
↑Improves
?
Triglycerides
1 study
↓Improves
?
Nasal Congestion
↑Improves
?
Blood Pressure
Small Detriment
1 study
small
?
Body Fat
↓Improves
?
Heart Rate
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Weight
↓Improves
?
Nausea Symptoms
↓Improves

Research Citations (20)

Randomised comparison of diets for maintaining obese subjects' weight after major weight loss: ad lib, low fat, high carbohydrate diet v fixed energy intake
PMID: 9001476
Multinutrient supplement containing ephedra and caffeine causes weight loss and improves metabolic risk factors in obese women: a randomized controlled trial
PMID: 16552410
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of a product containing ephedrine, caffeine, and other ingredients from herbal sources for treatment of overweight and obesity in the absence of lifestyle treatment
PMID: 15356670
Does ephedrine promote weight loss in low-energy-adapted obese women
PMID: 3301709
Is an ephedrine caffeine treatment contraindicated in hypertension
PMID: 15481766
Effect of herbal Ephedra sinica and Evodia rutaecarpa on body composition and resting metabolic rate: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial in Korean premenopausal women
PMID: 20633465
Effects of ephedrine and aminophylline on resting energy expenditure in obese adolescents
PMID: 8384181
Effects of chronic administration of ephedrine during very-low-calorie diets on energy expenditure, protein metabolism and hormone levels in obese subjects
PMID: 1310922
Effect of physical training on thermogenic responses to cold and ephedrine in obesity
PMID: 8395473
Efficacy and safety of single and multiple doses of pseudoephedrine in the treatment of nasal congestion associated with common cold
PMID: 15794071

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