Information
January 2002
What to look for
Although there are potentially hundreds of these products on the shelves, which makes them difficult to identify by product name, consumers are advised to check the label. Consumers are particularly advised to check the label for products that combine Ephedra/ephedrine with stimulants such as caffeine.
Herbs or Plants that contain the chemical constituent Ephedrine:
- Ephedra (ma huang): Ephedra sinica (Ephedrine can also come from other (but not all) Ephedra species such as: Ephedra shennungiana, Ephedra gerardiana, Ephedra equisetina, Ephedra intermedia)
- Sida cordifolia
Herbs or plants that contain caffeine:
- Coffee - Coffea species
- Green tea - Camellia sinensis
- Guarana - Paullinea cupana
- Maté - Ilex paraguariensis
- Cola nut (Kola nut) - Cola nitida, (also other species such as C. acuminata, C. verticillata, C. anomala)
Things in particular to watch out for:
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Check for a Drug Identification Number. If the product is making a health claim, it should have one. DINs identify the product as having been approved by Health Canada. Ephedra/ephedrine products without DINs have not been assessed for safety by Health Canada, and as such their safety cannot be assured.
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Products that are marketed for appetite suppression, weight-loss, metabolic enhancement, increased exercise tolerance, body-building effects, euphoria, increased energy or wakefulness, or other stimulant effects may contain Ephedra/ephedrine and should be treated with some suspicion. These products have not been assessed by Health Canada and have no assurance of content, safety or effectiveness.
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If you are taking a DIN product that contains Ephedra, and are not sure whether the product meets the recommended standard of 8mg/a dose, 32 mg/day for ephedrine, consult your pharmacist.
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