Ephedrine

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From the FDA site:

" In considering whether dietary supplements containing ephedrine

alkaloids present an unreasonable risk, we considered evidence from

three principal sources: (1) The well-known, scientifically

established

pharmacology of ephedrine alkaloids; (2) peer-reviewed scientific

literature on the effects of ephedrine alkaloids; and (3) the adverse

events (including published case reports) reported to have occurred

following consumption of dietary supplements containing ephedrine

alkaloids.

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Ephedrine alkaloids are members of a large family of

pharmacological compounds called sympathomimetics. Sympathomimetics

mimic the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine, which occur

naturally in the human body. Multiple studies demonstrate that

dietary

supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids, like other

sympathomimetics, raise blood pressure and increase heart rate. These

products expose users to several risks, including the consequences of

increased blood pressure (e.g., serious adverse events such as

stroke,

heart attack, and death) and increased morbidity and mortality from

worsened heart failure and pro-arrhythmic effects. Based on the best

available scientific data and the known pharmacology of ephedrine

alkaloids and similar compounds, we conclude that dietary supplements

containing ephedrine alkaloids pose short-term and long-term risks.

This is clearest in long-term use, where sustained increased blood

pressure in any population will increase the risk of stroke, heart

attack, and death, but there is also evidence of risk from shorter-

term

use in patients with heart failure or underlying coronary artery

disease. "

From the FDA site.

Lee