Ephedra is the common name of the plant Ephedra Sinica, a plant which is believed to have medicinal properties, and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5000 years, for treatment of various diseases. Ephedrine and Pseudo Ephedrine products are alkaloid derivatives of Ephedra. Ephedrine finds use as a stimulant, a concentration aid, a dietary supplement and for anesthetic purposes in complementary medicine.

The most common and effective use of Ephedrine was found after it became a popular appetite suppressant. The derivative has been shown to stimulate the Thyroid gland thus increasing metabolic rates of the body. The derivative also stimulates the central nervous system, enhances blood pressure and the heart rate. These effects have a thermo-genic fat-burning effect which assists in breakdown of fat deposits.  To increase the effect, Caffeine and other ingredients are often compounded with Ephedra in Diet Supplements pills.

Ephedrine fat buners is available in the market in pure form and added with various additives to increase its effects. Major brands of Ephedrine include Metabolife, MeTrim, Herbalife, Adiphen, Thermalean, Lipodrene and Zymax

Ephedrine and other Ephedra diet pills derivatives have faced criticism due to alleged side effects and even death due to its use. Various side-effects, both mild and serious have been reported by users. Doctors suggest that Ephedrine should not be used along with antidepressants, such as the Serotonin-Norepinephrine Re-uptake Inhibitors. Yet this has not been able to dissuade over 12 million Americans who comprise of the diet pill market. Americans try to find short-cuts for weight loss and Ephedrine, due its properties becomes a favorite among them.

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