Health and Fitness Nutrition

The granddaddy of them all, ephedrine alkaloids, in whatever form (Ma Huang, ephedrine HCL, Sida Cordifolia), have been the basis for the most popular and effective fat loss formulas of all time. Ephedrine is an agonist of alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors (adrenoceptors), similar in its actions to adrenaline. It causes thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and skeletal muscle by way of its potent sympathomimetic stimulation (it activates the sympathetic nervous system), which results in large releases of noradrenaline. The result is an increase in energy expenditure caused by the oxidation of fat (causing a large increase in oxygen consumption).

Although ephedrine bashing has become fashionable, for the most part, this is without sound justification. Obviously, there are individuals to whom ephedrine alkaloids do present a hazard, but it could be argued that flying, intense exercise or sex with a female bodybuilder offers an even greater risk. Most of the problems witnessed with ephedrine are from recreational use, as many individuals find it hard to admit that they have a problem with this. Unfortunately, as the body rapidly develops a greater tolerance, athletes using it for a pre-workout buzz often end up using huge dosages to obtain the original effect.

A big issue with utilising Ma Huang (Ephedra) in a formula is obtaining consistent quality. There are numerous species of the herb Ephedra, all with different levels of ephedrine alkaloids, i.e. ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, norephedrine, norpseudoephedrine, methylephedrine and methyl-pseudoephedrine. Ephedrine itself usually accounts for between 30 and 90% of the total alkaloids present. However, alkaloid levels and ratios can even vary within the same species, dependent on such factors as time of harvest, soil quality, weather conditions and even the altitude at which it is grown. An example of this can be seen with Ephedra sinica (the commonest form used), where the cultivated form has lower alkaloid content than that of its wild counterpart. Can this degree of variation make a difference? You bet! The thermogenic activity of ephedrine and norephedrine have become well established, the other analogues are either controlled (norpseudoephedrine), carry serious health risks or are relatively inactive (the methyl isomers have very little impact on beta adrenoceptors).

Take 1 capsule twice per day for first week, 2 capsules twice per day thereafter