Ephedra is not considered a legal dietary supplement in the United States. In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final ruling prohibiting the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids, which are derived from the ephedra plant. This decision was made due to significant safety concerns associated with these substances, including serious health risks such as heart attacks, strokes, and even death.The FDA’s ruling arose from accumulating evidence of adverse effects linked to ephedra-containing products. Despite its historical use in traditional medicine and its popularity in weight loss and athletic performance supplements, the risks associated with ephedrine alkaloids led to a complete ban on their sale as dietary supplements. The ruling was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals in 2006, solidifying the legal status of ephedra in the dietary supplement market.While products containing ephedrine alkaloids are banned, it is important to note that some extracts from the ephedra plant that do not contain these alkaloids may still be available for sale. However, these extracts may not provide the same effects or benefits as those containing ephedrine. Consumers should exercise caution when considering products labeled as containing “ephedra” or “ephedra extract,” as they may still pose risks if they contain any amount of ephedrine alkaloids.In summary, due to safety concerns and regulatory actions by the FDA, ephedra is not recognized as a legal dietary supplement in the United States.

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