by “Ephedra (also known as ma huang), a plant native to China, contains ephedrine alkaloids, which are stimulant compounds; the primary alkaloid is ephedrine,” the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements writes.
“The hardest part is just handling all of the questions and misinformation that comes about,” says Bryan Thomas of Live Lean Today.
What is the difference between ephedra and ephedrine?
“Ephedra is a low evergreen shrub with small, scaly leaves,” per NCCIH. “The herb usually comes from the stem and branches of the Ephedra sinica species.”
The ODS weight-loss fact sheet names “three main species: Ephedra sinica, Ephedra equisentina, and Ephedra intermedia.” The active compounds “account for about 1.32% of the plant’s weight.”
“There was definitely asthma medication that ephedrine was the key compound in that medication,” Bryan says. “So most people that are older still prefer taking ephedrine for their asthma, which is why it’s still popular today.”
What does the FDA rule on ephedrine alkaloids say?
“Dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury under conditions of use recommended or suggested in the labeling,” reads 21 CFR 119.1.
“The final rule became effective on April 12, 2004,” the FDA compliance guide says.
NCCIH: “Even in relatively low doses and short-term use, ephedra has been linked to harmful effects like high blood pressure, heart attack, seizure, stroke, and psychosis.”
How does an ephedra extract label read?
Lipodrene by Hi-Tech, $39.95.
Supplement Facts. Serving Size: 1 Tablet. Servings Per Container: 100.
“Proprietary Blend with Thermo-Rx and Extend-Rx Technologies: 560mg.” Ephedra extract 25mg is the first name in it, ahead of synephrine hcl, theobromine and green tea extract (45mg EGCG).
Caffeine(Anhydrous) 100mg.
How is ephedrine HCl sold at Live Lean Today?
Drug Facts, not Supplement Facts.
Ephedrine HCl 25mg, $79.75. Active Ingredients: Ephedrine Hcl 25mg Bronchodilator. Guaifenesin 200mg Expectorant. Servings Per Container: 24.
The 12.5mg box is $44.75, with the same 200mg of guaifenesin.
“We do not sell ephedrine for weight loss,” Bryan says. Who buys it? “All direct-to-consumer. We don’t work with any doctors or pharmacies or anything.”
What do DEA rules require for an ephedrine order?
A mail-order seller “may not in a single calendar day sell to any purchaser more than 3.6 grams of ephedrine base,” under 21 CFR 1314.100. Over “any 30-day period,” the cap is “7.5 grams of ephedrine base.”
The seller must also “receive from the purchaser a copy of an identification card that provides a photograph,” per 21 CFR 1314.105.
“The ID, the name needs to match, the address,” Bryan says.
“I’ve been audited multiple times,” he says. “We’ve never had any, uh, issue or sanction or anything with the DEA.”
On states: “there’s definitely states that we do not ship to.” The 12.5mg page names eight states.
What should a first-time ephedrine buyer have ready?
“Your order will ship once we have received your form and ID,” the 25mg page says. A 24-tablet box at 25mg holds 600mg of ephedrine HCl, against a federal cap of 3.6 grams of ephedrine base a day. Both strengths sit on the Live Lean Today ephedrine page, next to Lipodrene’s 25mg extract panel. “Returning Live Lean Today Ephedrine customers DO NOT need to do this,” it adds.
Lipodrene by Hi-Tech.
