Ephedra and Ephedrine - The Scoop on What Makes Weight Loss Pills Work

Although typically used interchangeably, ephedra is different from ephedrine. Ephedra is a natural herb is used in various medications, including ephedra diet pills; meanwhile, ephedrine is an alkaloid that can be found in the ephedra plant.

A lot of people loosely use the word ephedra to mean ephedrine, and vice versa. However, these words are not interchangeable. Ephedra and ephedrine are two different substances. Using one term for the other might be misleading and may cause confusion and misunderstanding. This discussion aims to impart the differences between ephedra and ephedrine.

Ephedra is a plant, which is also known as ephedra sinica. Ephedra is not a new discovery; it has been used since ancient times, specifically in traditional Chinese medicines, in order to treat asthma and other lung-related diseases. Nowadays, this plant is used in a lot of over-the-counter weight loss pills, such as MeTrim, Metabolife, Adiiphen, Lipodrene, Thyro-Slim and Natural Trim. These specific pills are collectively known as ephedra diet pills. When combined with caffeine or other substances containing caffeine, these pills are said to stimulate the body's central nervous system, resulting in the release of extra energy and vitality, increasing the body's metabolic rate and fat burning capability, and greatly reducing or even suppressing food cravings and hunger pangs.

Ephedra diet pills and other ephedra-based weight supplements and products are not just used by people who want to lose some weight. Ephedra diet pills are also used by athletes and sports professionals because of its relative potential to increase a person's energy and improve his or her performance.

Ephedrine, on the other hand, is a type of chemical that is contained and derived from the ephedra plant itself. It is the active component of the ephedra plant. This component stimulates the body, specifically the brain and the heart. It also stimulates the thermogenic process in the body, resulting in an increase in the metabolism. Ephedrine is normally used for medical purposes, mostly in operating rooms and intensive care units, as well as for the relief of lung-related problems, such as asthma, common colds and the like. It is endowed with certain properties that have the ability to increase blood pressure and open up the air passages found in the lungs.

At present, however, the use of both ephedra and ephedrine are regulated and monitored in the United States, but many companies such as American Generic Labs and Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals produce products like Metabothin, Superdrine and Ripped Power that contain Ephedra Extracts, which are considered legal in the U.S. upon reviewing the Metabothin web site we found the following product description Metabothin is an herbal formula designed for optimal diet & energy. This proven formulation consists of high quality, natural herbs grown worldwide. Most importantly, Metabothin contains 10mg of Ephedra Extract per serving.

All in all it looks like the consumer is fairly pleased with the way ephedra and ephedrine work, so as long as the customer is looking for it, companies will find a way to produce products with Ephedra and Ephedrine.