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Alkaloid ephedrine is derived from the plant Ephedraceae. (There are many common names for these evergreen plants, including Birgham Weed, squaw tea, Mormon tea, Ephedra, Herb of the Sun, Popotillo and Ma Huang). Ephedra is 50 cm tall bush which grows in Asia, Japan, North America and Europe.

The uses of ephedrine are known to exist for around 6000 years. Roots of ephedra have been used against cough, fever, headache and for blood cleaning. Roots were also used for better concentration.

The western world has also shown their interest in ephedrine at around 1923. They have used it for treating asthma.

Ephedrine in a sports world is used for losing weight and enhancing concentration and physical abilities. Effects are even better, if ephedrine is used with aspirin and coffee.

Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine - that is, its principal mechanism of action relies on its indirect action on the adrenergic receptor system. Whilst it may have weak agonist activity at α- and β-adrenergic receptors, the principal mechanism is to displace nor adrenaline from storage vesicles in pre synaptic neurons. The displaced nor adrenaline is released into the neuronal synapse where it is free to activate the aforementioned postsynaptic adrenergic receptors.

Effects of ephedrine are:

- increase heart pressure
- treatment of asthma
- increases body temperature
- increases metabolism
- increases the force of skeletal muscle contractions
- decreases appetite

As ephedrine will increase the force of skeletal muscle contractions, that is why, it is commonly used by power lifters before a competition, as the resultant (slight) strength and energy increase can clearly improve the weight totals on major lifts. It may also provide a notable mental edge, as the user is more energetic and better able to concentrate on the tasks ahead.

While the strength boosting effect of this drug is noteworthy, the primary application for ephedrine remains to be as a cutting agent. The widely touted stack of ephedrine (25-50 mg), caffeine (200 mg) and aspirin (300 mg) is shown to be extremely potent for fat loss

But unfortunately ephedrine has also some side effects, which are shaky hands, tremors, sweating, rapid heartbeat, dizziness and feelings of inner unrest. While taking ephedrine one may also endure a notable loss of appetite. The user may further notice headaches and an increase in blood pressure with regular use of ephedrine. Those suffering from thyroid dysfunction, high blood pressure or cardiac irregularities should also not be taking ephedrine, as it will certainly not mix well with such conditions.