Sunday Aug 25, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- A trial published in International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders suggests that taking a nutritional supplement with ephedra and caffeine can help weight loss and improve metabolic parameters.  

The 6-month randomized trial was intended to examine the safety and efficacy of a dietary supplement with ephedra and caffeine used as a weight loss supplement. 

The trial led by C. N. Boozer from New York Obesity Research Center, St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital and Columbia University in New York, USA and colleagues shows that obese men and women taking an herbal supplement with ephedra/caffeine for six months experienced a significant weight loss, fat loss and a decrease in low density lipoprotein cholesterol.   

For the study, 167 men and women with body mass index (BMI) at 31.8+/-4.1 kg/m(2)) were randomized to receive either placebo or an herbal supplement Ma Huang and Kola nut supplement with 90/192 mg/day ephedrine alkaloids/caffeine at two outpatient weight control research centers. 

Compared with those receiving placebo, those receiving the herbal supplement experienced twice as much weight loss and 60% more body fat.  The ephedra/caffeine containing herbal supplement also lowered LDL cholesterol and increased LDL cholesterol while the placebo did not have an effect on the cholesterols. 

The ephedra and caffeine containing herbal treatment slightly increased blood pressure and heart rate, but not cardiac arrhythmias.  Possible, but not definite side effects included increased incidents of dry mouth, heartburn, and insomnia and decreased incidents of diarrhea decreased. The ephedra/caffeine containing herbal supplement did not caused irritability, nausea, chest pain and palpitations. 

The researchers concluded "this 6-month placebo-controlled trial, herbal ephedra/caffeine (90/192 mg/day) promoted body weight and body fat reduction and improved blood lipids without significant adverse events." (jimmy downs)