EPHEDRA FOUND SAFE AND EFFECTIVE IN COMBATING EXCESSIVE WEIGHT BY RESEARCHERS

Study Published in The International Journal of Obesity
Also Reveals Significant Weight Loss in Subjects

Washington, DC (April 3, 2001) � Popular Ephedra dietary supplements, taken by more than 12 million Americans for weight loss, are safe and effective according to conclusions reached by researchers at the prestigious Harvard and Columbia Universities. The data, generated from the most comprehensive study of Ephedra�s safety and efficacy to date, were officially published in abstract form recently in the FASEB Journal and Obesity Research. In addition, the International Journal of Obesity published a double-blind trial performed by some of the same researchers on a similar dietary supplement containing Ephedra and Guarana, finding that it was effective in weight loss.

The findings, presented by researchers, found that herbal Ephedra, when combined with caffeine, lowered body weight, fat and body mass index. Additionally, data published in the International Journal of Obesity found that the combination of Ephedra and Guarana revealed that healthy, overweight subjects experienced significant weight and fat loss. The study called for additional research into Ephedra�s safety.

It is important to note that other respected studies have recently been completed, including the conclusions of a comprehensive science-based risk analysis performed by Cantox Health Sciences International. Cantox assessed all available scientific information, focusing on 19 clinical trials, and found that Ephedra was both safe and beneficial for weight loss at the 90mg per day dosage. In August 2000, a seven-member panel of experts completed a multidisciplinary review of Ephedra and concluded that there is no association between serious adverse events and Ephedra when consumed as directed.

Ephedra, also known as Ma Huang, is an herb that has a long history of being used both safely and responsibly. Conservative estimates indicate that over three billion servings of Ephedra products are consumed each year as an aid to weight loss and improved health. Industry has pushed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to adopt responsible regulations to guide the manufacture and distribution of these products, but so far the FDA has failed to respond.

The Ephedra Education Council is supported primarily by members of the Ephedra Committee of the American Herbal Products Association, a recognized leader in promoting the safe and responsible marketing of dietary supplements. The Council provides factual information to the media and public about dietary supplements containing Ephedra. For more information, logon to www.EphedraFacts.com.

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