Avoid

⛔ Best avoided

Ephedra

Also called: ma huang, ephedrine

A plant (ma huang) containing ephedrine, a stimulant.

Why people take it
Weight loss, energy.
What the evidence says
Some weight loss, but with serious risks.
How it is usually taken
Not recommended at any amount; see the warning above.
Be careful
Linked to heart attacks, strokes and deaths; banned in supplements in the US and elsewhere.
Medicines it can interact with
Dangerous interactions are reported; do not combine with any medicine.

Other avoid

Bitter orangeDMAAComfrey (by mouth)AristolochiaGermanderChaparralPennyroyalLobeliaKratomSARMsProhormonesTianeptinePhenibut

Common questions

What is Ephedra?

A plant (ma huang) containing ephedrine, a stimulant.

Why do people take Ephedra?

Weight loss, energy.

Does Ephedra work?

Some weight loss, but with serious risks.

How much Ephedra do people take?

Not recommended at any amount; see the warning above.

Is Ephedra safe?

Linked to heart attacks, strokes and deaths; banned in supplements in the US and elsewhere.

Does Ephedra interact with medicines?

Dangerous interactions are reported; do not combine with any medicine.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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For information only, not medical advice. Supplements are not medicines: they are not tested and approved like drugs before they are sold, and they can interact with medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start one, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take regular medicines, or have kidney, liver or heart disease.