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What is the definition
of herbs?
Herbs are defined as plants or plant extracts which are
used for their non-caloric benefits. The use of herbs to
enhance physical performance is very common among athletes.
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EPHEDRA [Banned by the
NCAA]
What are the actions/effects
of ephedra?
A common sourcs of ephedra is Ma Huang, a chinese herb.
A combination of ephedra and caffeine have been used to
increase weight loss. Many herbal products do not list the
concentration of ephedrine present and some manufacturers
spike their dosage forms with additional quantities of synthetic
ephedrine. Because of such problem in the market place the
FDA in 1996
issued a warning, cautioning the consumers not to buy any
high dose ephedra products marketed as "legal highs."
Ephedra is banned by the NCAA.
Adverse effects
Individuals who use ephedra may experience increased anxiety
and nervousness, light-headedness, heart palpitations and
rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, heat control
abnormalities, and death from heart failure. Doses higher
than 25 mg daily can produce adverse side effects especially
when combined with other stimulants such as caffeine.
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GINSENG (American, Chinese, Korean,
Siberian)
What are the actions/effects
of ginseng
Reports of the effects of ginseng include claims for increased
endurance, increased muscle strength, improved recovery
from exercise, improved oxygen metabolism during exercise,
improved auditory and visual reaction time, improved mental
concentration, and improved visual/motor coordination, and
mental accuracy.
What are the adverse
effects associated with using ginseng?
Individuals who use ginseng may experience nervousness,
insomnia, high blood pressure, GI
discomfort, headaches, skin eruptions, chest discomfort,
depression, and spontaneous vaginal bleeding.
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