Many studies examining the weight loss effects of ephedrine have combined this ingredient with caffeine. Research has shown this results in greater weight and fat loss over weeks to months, though long-term studies are limited. SummaryĮphedrine, a major component of ephedra, can increase the number of calories your body burns. However, long-term data on the usefulness of ephedrine for weight loss is lacking ( 10).Īdditionally, many ephedrine studies examine the combination of ephedrine and caffeine rather than ephedrine alone ( 11). In five studies of ephedrine compared to a placebo, ephedrine led to weight loss of 3 pounds (1.3 kg) per month more than a placebo - for up to four months ( 10, 11). In addition to the short-term changes in metabolism, some studies show that ephedrine can promote weight and fat loss over longer time periods. However, this was partially prevented by taking ephedrine ( 9). One study found that the number of calories burned over 24 hours was 3.6% greater when healthy adults took ephedrine compared to when they took a placebo ( 5).Īnother study observed that when obese individuals went on a very-low-calorie diet, their metabolic rate dropped. Several studies showed that ephedrine increases resting metabolic rate - the number of calories your body burns at rest - which may be due to an increase in the number of calories burned by your muscles ( 4, 6).Įphedrine can also boost the fat-burning process in your body ( 7, 8). Much of the studies examining the effects of ephedra on weight loss occurred between the 1980s and early 2000s - before supplements containing ephedrine were banned.Īlthough multiple components of ephedra may impact your body, the most notable effects are likely due to ephedrine. This molecule impacts several bodily processes and was used as a popular dietary supplement ingredient prior to being banned in several countries. The plant ephedra ( ma huang) contains multiple chemical compounds, but the most notable is ephedrine. However, due to safety concerns, supplements containing specific types of compounds found in ephedra - called ephedrine alkaloids - have been banned in several countries, including the United States ( 1). In the past, it gained substantial popularity in weight loss supplements. While the plant contains multiple chemical compounds, the major effects of ephedra are likely caused by the molecule ephedrine ( 3).Įphedrine exerts multiple effects within your body, such as increasing metabolic rate and fat burning ( 4, 5).įor these reasons, ephedrine has been studied for its ability to reduce body weight and body fat. It’s been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years ( 1, 2). Ephedra sinica, also called ma huang, is a plant native to Asia, though it also grows in other areas around the world.
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