1.4 Ephedra Extracts: Misuse of a Beneficial Medicinal Plant |
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The use of Ephedra and its medicinally active extracts has continued to grow. Many Ephedra preparations have been marketed in recent years as stimulants that heighten sensations and as weight loss agents. One such formulation is referred to as an “ECA Stack,” Ephedra with the three marketed as working together to burn fat from your body. |
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| But the beneficial compounds extracted from this medicinal plant can have severe side-effects when overused. Recently, major global concerns have been raised about dangerous adverse effects and drug interactions of Ephedra extracts, leading to restrictions such as the 2004 United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) ban on the sale of dietary supplements containing Ephedra alkaloids (lifted in 2005) and a similar 2004 ban in the Netherlands. | |
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Ephedra and Crystal Meth, page 4 of 5 |
