Sida cordifolia
Also known as Country Mallow and “Bala”. Sida cordifolia is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments. In-vitro and animal studies have shown it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. In the West, it’s best known as an alternate source of ephedrine alkaloids.
Ephedra
An herb used in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for respiratory illnesses (asthma, colds) and hay fever. Known as “Ma Huang,” ephedra was once a common ingredient in over-the-counter “natural” weight loss supplements, as it’s a source of ephedrine, a sympathomimetic amine.
It is currently illegal to sell ephedra and/or ephedrine alkaloids as dietary supplements.
Ephedrine
A plant alkaloid classified as a “sympathomimetic amine” – which are compounds that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. Ephedrine is used medicinally as a decongestant; it also acts as a stimulant and – in combination with caffeine – can assist with weight/fat loss.
Ephedrine – along with its isomers – are found in several medicinal plants. Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang) was the principal form found in many over-the-counter diet supplements, although it is now banned for that purpose. Sida cordifolia is another common source.
Although ephedrine is still a legal, over-the-counter medication, sales are restricted due to the fact that it can be used to “cook” methamphetamine, an addictive, illegal stimulant drug.
See Paul’s review, “Ephedrine / Ephedra: Potent Fat Burner, Or Dangerous Drug?” for more information.
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)
An analog of the amino acid l-cysteine. NAC is a drug used to a) help dissolve mucus and treat inflammation in respiratory conditions; b) protect against radiocontrast-induced nephropathy; and c) to treat acetaminophen toxicity. It’s also taken as an oral supplement, as it’s a precursor to glutathione, a potent endogenous antioxidant. NAC may also have neuroprotective effects in brain injury and exposure to chemotherapeutic drugs.
L-Cysteine
A non-essential amino acid synthesized in the body from l-serine and l-methionine. Cysteine is one of the two “sulfur-containing” amino acids found in proteins, and a precursor to the endogenous antioxidant, glutathione. Cysteine is also an important source of sulfide in human metabolism.
Anecdotally, supplemental cysteine has gained a reputation as a hangover “cure”, as it contributes to the metabolism of acetaldehyde – the toxic ethanol metabolite responsible for those unpleasant, “morning after” symptoms.
