Effects on Muscular Endurance

Ephedrine is classified as a sympathomimetic drug and central nervous system stimulant. Its ability to act as a sympathetic agonist and increase thermogenesis (fat burning) has led to its use in weight loss/fat loss.1 Ephedrine has also been coupled with both caffeine and aspirin to further enhance its effectiveness (i.e., ECA). Ephedrine stimulates release of norepinephrine, which stimulates the synthesis of prostaglandins by the activated tissues.1 Aspirin inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins and serves as a prostaglandin blocker, and thereby may prevent inhibition of norepinepherine release.1 Further, as a central nervous system stimulant, it’s used to reduce fatigue and increase alertness. In most dietary supplements, ephedrine appears as an extract from one of two herbs: ephedra or Ma Huang. Ephedra species have a long tradition of use (more than 5,000 years) for respiratory ailments.2 Unlike other herbs, active ingredients are well characterized and consist of ephedrine and related alkaloids (mostly ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and norpseudoephedrine).