These stimulants are not ephedra. Ephedra's euphoriant effect is attributable to a chemical also known as cathine. In a chemical analysis of Ultimate Xphoria, however, cathine was almost totally absent. Anyone with a medical condition for which ephedra would be appropriate should take the herb, by itself or in a recognized Kampo formula after being examined for precluding conditions, such as high blood pressure. The herb increases blood pressure and heart rate, and relaxes bronchial muscles to open air passageways.
Ephedrine also stimulates perspiration and lowers body temperature.
Ephedrine travels in the body in ways that epinephrine cannot. This allows the herb to relieve symptoms associated with allergy, asthma, colds and flu. Ephedra compounds have been extensively researched for use in the treatment of obesity. At the end of eight weeks, those taking the placebo had lost an average of 18 pounds, while those taking the ephedrine lost an average of 20 pounds. While the difference in total pounds lost was not great, the ratio of fat to lean tissue lost was much better for the ephedrine group.