1. What products contain Ephedrine?
Ephedrine can be collected and formulated in synthetic, biosynthetic and agricultural ways. Ephedrine is obtained from the plant Ephedra sinica. To meet the large demands, Ephedrine is obtained from synthetic and biosynthetic processes. Chinese botanical Ephedra or ma-huang is sold as a dietary supplement and contains natural alkaloids Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.
2. When to take Ephedrine?
Ephedrine treats shortness of breath temporarily, wheezing due to bronchial asthma and prevents low blood pressure during anaesthesia. Further, it has proven effects in weight loss, decrease motion sickness and sedating effects. It is a prescription drug and should be taken after consulting medical professionals to prevent conditions like a drug overdose.
3. How to test Ephedrine purity?
There are various tests for detection and quality control of Ephedrine. The purity of Ephedrine can be obtained by liquid chromatography and optical rotation. Various analytical reagents are used to test the purity of Ephedrine. Commercial immunoassay screening tests can detect Ephedrine in humans. Ephedrine concentrations in blood or plasma can be easily identified and compared to standard doses.
4. What contains Ephedrine?
Ephedrine products come in different forms- Ephedrine systemic, Ephedrine nasal and with different combinations. It is a phenethylamine skeleton found in various plants in the genus Ephedra, and Ephedrine is the active ingredient in the composition. It acts on the central nervous system and prevents low blood pressure in the anaesthetic state of the patient.
5. What plant contains Ephedrine?
Ephedrine is obtained from the plant Ephedra sinica and is also an active alkaloid of Ephedra vulgaris, used in China as ma-huang. It is mainly extracted and marketed as a stimulant and weight loss supplement. Some common names are joint pine, jointfir, Mormon tea, sea grape, yellow horse.
6. How long does Ephedrine stay in urine?
Ephedrine can be detected in a urine test for 3 to 6 days since the last dose. However, Ephedrine detection in urine depends on various factors like -
- Type of drug
- Route of administration
- Patient’s age, weight
- Medical condition
- Dose
- Hydration
- Drug tolerance
- Metabolic factor
- Drug interactions
7. How to extract Ephedrine from the chicken feed?
Chicken feed does not contain Ephedrine. It is a myth that people boil and extract or dry them, and this is tested and proven as so. Chemical investigations and other tests have proven the fact that chicken feed does not contain the drug Ephedrine. It is extracted from plants for dietary supplement purposes and obtained synthetically for medicinal purposes.
8. How does Ephedrine affect the body?
Ephedrine is an alpha/beta receptor agonist and safe for men and women. However, its effect on children is still unknown, and breastfeeding mothers are advised to consult medical experts before taking Ephedrine. It affects the body in the following ways:
- Increased cardiac output
- Increase in heart rate and blood pressure
- Contractility
- Peripheral resistance
- Constrict blood vessels
- Bronchodilation
- Stimulate thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue
9. What sports use Ephedrine the most?
Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic and central nervous system stimulant used to improve endurance, increase alertness, strength and reduce fatigue. It is marketed as an energy supplement or energy enhancer, and most people are unaware of it. Ephedrine is used in sports like aerobics, weightlifting, football, track and field.
10. Is it illegal to have Ephedrine?
Ephedrine is largely used for medicinal purposes as a stimulant to prevent low blood pressure and severe allergic reactions. However, the FDA has banned Ephedrine in the USA to be used as a dietary supplement. It is illegal to use it as an energy enhancer, but Ephedrine can be used legally as a medicine due to its sympathomimetic properties.
