February 17, 2004
Today marks the one year anniversary of the death of Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Belcher. Belcher, who was only 23 when he died, took diet pills containing ephedrine -- the active ingredient in ephedra -- before a spring training workout.
The pitcher's body temperature shot up to 108 degrees, resulting in a heatstroke. While he also suffered from a history of raised blood pressure, the medical examiner's reports have indicated that ephedrine played a major part in Belcher's death. Belcher's parents have since testified at Congress support the FDA's ban on ephedra.
In December 2003, the FDA announced its intent to publish a rule banning the sale of ephedra-containing products. The action was taken in order to notify the American public of the unreasonable risk of ephedra's use.
In a 2003 press release regarding the announcement, Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson stated that the action was to be a sign to consumers "that the time to stop using ephedra products is now".
Ephedra, also called Ma huang, is a naturally-occurring botanical substance; its principle active ingredient is ephedrine. When ephedrine is chemically synthesized, it is regulated as a drug. Ephedra-containing products have been extensively promoted in the last few years, particularly for use as a weight loss aid and to enhance athletic performance. *
The concerns about ephedra are based on its stimulant-like effect on the body which puts the heart at risk for adverse effects. Studies by the RAND Corporation have found little evidence for effectiveness other than for short-term weight loss and suggested considerable safety and health risks. Other studies have exhibited ephedra's use raises blood pressure and otherwise stresses the circulatory system, which can be linked to serious adverse health effects such as strokes.
* Source: FDA Consumer Alert on Ephedra issued December 20, 2003, via FDA.gov.
