Ephedra, Caffeine & Weight Loss -
Trial
Weight Loss Study Aim
To examine long-term safety and efficacy for weight loss of an herbal
Ma Huang and Kola nut supplement (90/192 mg/day ephedrine alkaloids/caffeine).
Weight Loss Study Subjects
A total of 167 subjects randomized to placebo or herbal treatment at two
outpatient weight control research units.
Weight Loss Study Measurements
Primary outcome measurements were changes in blood pressure, heart function
and body weight. Secondary variables included body composition and metabolic
changes.
Weight Loss Study Results
By last observation carried forward analysis, herbal vs. placebo treatment
decreased body weight, body fat and LDL-cholesterol, and increased HDL-cholesterol.
Herbal treatment produced small changes in blood pressure variables, and
increased heart rate but cardiac arrhythmias were not increased. By self-report,
dry mouth, heartburn, and insomnia were increased and diarrhea decreased.
Irritability, nausea, chest pain and palpitations did not differ, nor
did numbers of subjects who withdrew.
|
|
|
com