Ephedrine
Ephedrine research papers can look at the uses and/or abuses of the drug. Have Paper Masters custom write research on the drug for you in order to understand the medical and recreational uses of Ephedrine.
Ephedrine is defined as an adrenergic bronchodilator commonly prescribed for the treatment of asthma and bronchitis and for use as a nasal decongestant. In recent years, the use of ephedrine has become popular for its effectiveness in weight loss. Ephedrine is used in the following way:
- A stimulant
- Concentration aid
- Decongestant
- Appetite suppressant
- To treat hypo-tension associated with anesthesia
Ephedrine's Plant Source
Eurasian species of ephedra plants produce ephedrine and pseudoephedrine while Asian varieties are used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Combined, Eurasian and Asian ephedra contain "nitrogen-containing secondary metabolites with known neuropharmacological activity". Some Ephedra species contain no alkaloid content while the Asian species is thought to contain the highest ephedrine content. In any given plant, the alkaloid content of ephedra sinica can range from 1 to 3 percent of which 40 to 90 percent are ephedrine alkaloids.
In the last decade, herbal diet supplements containing ephedra (ma huang) have gained in popularity as a diet aid and a natural energizer. Ma Huang is commonly referred to as Chinese ephedra. Ephedrine alkaloids are active ingredients found in Ephedra plants and commonly marketed as safe, all natural alternatives to other diet supplements. In 2000 experts estimated that some 12 million people in the United States used some type of ephedrine containing product.
Ephedrine - Diet Supplement
The popular use of the ephedra-containing diet supplements and the deaths associated with their use has spurred the debate for some type of federal regulation on the sale and use of the products. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the combination of ephedrine and caffeine in over the counter allergy and cold medications two decades ago, the same combination is not regulated when sold as herb-based, all natural dietary supplements.