Are dietary supplements authorized for use?
Ephedra, also called Ma Huang, is a source of ephedrine alkaloids that, when chemically synthesized, are regulated as drugs. FDA has warned consumers against the use of dietary supplements containing ephedra since June, 1997, and banned these products after research confirmed that ephedrine alkaloids raise blood pressure and otherwise stress the circulatory system. FDA guide for dietary supplements. View: FDA Warning to Consumers about Tainted Weight Loss Products.
