Ephedra is a plant derived from an Asiatic shrub , and contains six ephedrine alkaloids, among which ephedrine is predominant. Before being banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ephedra was used in over-the-counter weight-loss supplements, weight-lifting and energy formulas, and asthma, allergy and cold remedies. Ephedra is also known by the names Ma Huang, herbal ecstasy, Mahuang, Mahuanggen, and Ma Huang root.

Ephedra has been linked with serious side effects, including stroke, heart attack, palpitations, hypertension, fever, vomiting, coma, tachycardia, respiratory depression, paranoid psychosis, and death. According to a study commissioned by the FDA, Ephedra may seriously harm and kill some who use it.

A synthetic form of ephedrine is used in bronchodilators and over-the-counter medications like Sudafed and Actifed, which fall under the FDA's watch.