Is Ephedra Back on the Market?

There is much controversy over whether the centuries-old Chinese herb ma-huang, commonly referred to as ephedra, is back on the market for sale. On April 14, 2005, Utah judge Tena Campbell struck down an FDA ban on supplements containing ephedra, specifically ruling in favor of a Utah supplement company, Nutraceutical Corp., that challenged the Food and Drug Administration's ban.

What does this mean for supplement manufacturers, retailers and ultimately, the consumer?

  • Click here for one attorney’s legal interpretation of the ephedra controversy and current status.
  • If you’re interested in learning about the science behind the herb itself, click here for an in-depth review.
  • AHPA (American Herbal Products Association) Advises against Sale of All Ephedra Dietary Supplements. 4/27/05
  • FDA acts to seize dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids in Texas and Oregon. 12/6/05
  • FDA seizes ephedra-containing dietary supplements from metro Atlanta manufacturer. 2/27/06
  • Ruling upholds ban on ephedra. 8/18/06
  • Ephedra still banned despite claims to contrary. 3/17/07

What is our position?

Ephedra has been used safely for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine applications. Ephedra in some of the more modern applications has also been used safely, when used as directed. However, Discount Nutrition - Buckhead has taken the position that while the FDA deliberates on a final ruling regarding the return of ephedra -based supplements to the market, we will not sell products that contain any dose of ephedra and/or ephedra alkaloids. The law, in our opinion, is still unclear and after direct conversations with the FDA recently, we have determined that the sale of ephedra-based products is still prohibited.

Update 03/01/06

When we first reported about the rumors of ephedra-based products returning to market back in July 2005, we maintained our position as reflected above -- that we will not sell such products until the law became clear.  As evidenced in recent seizures by the FDA of ephedra-containing products, Discount Nutrition - Buckhead is pleased that our interpretation of the law was accurate.

Stay Tuned

The law is fluid and changing; therefore stay tuned to our website for the latest news and information on ephedra as it becomes available.