What was in the original Xenadrine?
The main ingredient in its original formula, Xenadrine RFA-1, is ephedrine, derived from the ephedra plant. Ephedrine increases metabolism, the process by which fat cells are broken down and converted to energy, and it suppresses appetite.
What happened to Xenadrine?
Cytodyne Technologies, Inc., which has discontinued its RFA line of Xenadrine, currently markets other products bearing the name Xenadrine that do not contain ma huang.
What is a replacement ingredient for ephedra?
Some of the popular alternatives include guarana, bitter orange and green tea extract. Pharmacist Russell Zukin warns, “These are stimulant kind of medications which can increase blood pressure, decrease appetite and in high enough doses can cause death.”
Why was ephedra discontinued?
For example, ephedrine was a main ingredient in a product called Herbal Ecstasy, which was promoted as a legal and healthier alternative to MDMA (ecstasy). In 2004, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) banned ephedrine from dietary supplements as it was deemed an unreasonable risk to public health.
What is ephedra in?
Ephedra (Ephedra sinica), also called ma huang, is an herb that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for more than 5,000 years, primarily to treat asthma, bronchitis, and hay fever. Ephedra is also prescribed for symptoms of cold and flu, including nasal congestion, cough, fever, and chills.
Can you buy ma huang in the US?
ANSWER: Ephedra sinica, the herb also known as Ma Huang, is the one that was outlawed by the FDA and can no longer be legally sold as a dietary supplement.
Can Xenadrine raise blood pressure?
In addition, Xenadrine EFX also significantly increased blood pressure by 7 to 12 percent (9-10 mm Hg), the researchers reported. Xenadrine EFX appears to have similar acute cardiovascular stimulant actions as banned ephedra products, according to their report.
Is there anything similar to ephedra?
Other ephedra alternatives: Green tea extract. Green tea typically contains less caffeine per cup than coffee, plus many antioxidant vitamins. Caffeine itself can be a mild appetite suppressant, and proponents say there may be other substances in green tea that could slightly speed calorie burning.
What’s the difference between ephedrine and ephedra?
Ephedrine is a chemical contained in the ephedra herb. Ephedrine has medical uses, mostly in operating rooms and intensive care units. Its chemical properties raise blood pressure and heart rate and open up the large air passages in the lungs.
What over-the-counter medicine has ephedrine?
Ephedrine is available over-the-counter (OTC) as an oral medication in combination with the expectorant guaifenesin, and comes in the form of tablets, caplets, or syrup….Common brands containing ephedrine:
- Bronkaid®
- Primatene® Tablets.
- Store Brands (ex: Walmart’s “Equate” store brand or CVS Health store brand)
When did Hydroxycut remove ephedra?
2004
In 2004, the FDA banned the use of ephedra in nutritional supplements and the composition of Hydroxycut was altered, with removal of ephedra.
What is the difference between ephedrine and ephedra?