Ephedrine, either as a dietary supplement, or as Ephedra weight-loss pill, is a banned substance. Any athlete who fails Ephedrine doping test is forever discredited. Here are reasons why Ephedra-based diet pill is condemned in sports world:

* Ephedrine causes a dramatic increase in activity of central nervous system. * The Ephedra energy pill has a significant stimulatory effect on cells. The athlete's metabolism is stimulated, as more free fatty acids are produced from breakdown of triglycerides in adipose tissue. This is a very positive effect. * The Ephedra pill improves force of skeletal muscle contractions with a powerful effect on performance. It is commonly taken immediately before a competition. When administered at a certain dosage (Ephedra minimum: 25 to a maximum of 50 mg) and only for a few weeks, it has real benefits. It should not be taken at higher doses or for longer periods.

A primary symptom of Ephedrine is a higher body temperature. After few weeks of using it, this symptom disappears and athlete will know that substance has lost its power. A break of 2-3 months is required before it can be taken again in training sessions (not competitions). Another combination containing Ephedra is ECA stack: ephedrina, caffeine and aspirin. Ephedrine and caffeine behave as thermogenic agents. Aspirin inhibits lipogenesis by blocking incorporation of acetate into fatty acids. Monitoring body temperature is suggested.

Those who use Ephedra-based diet pill should always be aware of unpleasant, and sometimes risky, side effects, such as:

1. tremor of hands 2. sweating 3. dizziness 4. rapid heartbeats

The diet-energy Ephedra supplement is a strong and effective stimulant which induces high performance. Its properties make it a source of great temptation for athletes who long for great sports performances. The intentional use of Ephedrine is punished by international laws, called doping-control regulations. As a general rule, sportspersons are told to avoid any product claiming to be a:

1. "fatburner" or 2. "muscle building".

They are also advised to stay away from:

1. black market (source of so-called "street drugs") and 2. unlabelled products.

A review of international anti-doping efforts

Doping may well have appeared at same time as competitions themselves. The first Greek runners are said to have taken foreign substances in order to improve their performance during games. Strychnine, caffeine, cocaine and alcohol have been used to enhance sports performance. The first worldwide efforts to stop doping were made in 1928. The International Amateur Athletic Federation banned use of stimulant agents and anabolic substances such as ephedrine and amphetamine. Other federations reacted, but still no testing was imposed. Later, in 1966, UCI (cycling) and FIFA (football) introduced doping tests in World Championships. In 1967, International Olympic Commmittee created a medical commission and made public a list of prohibited substances. Further drug tests were introduced at Olympic Winter Games at Grenoble and at Olympic Games in Mexico in 1968.

Most international sports federations are committed to drug tests. The setting up of WADA in 1999 was crucial for anti-doping international campaign. WADA sustains and promotes fundamental values in sport. Organizations and governments joined in effort to eliminate drugs and stimulants. The year 2004 was considered essential in anti-doping effort, since before Athens Olympics, WADA Code had been implemented worldwide. This Code is to ensure that for first time in history, rules and regulations governing anti-doping will be same in all sports and all countries. Case studies

The eccentric soccer player Diego Armando Maradona is just one of many famous sportsmen who made a contribution to history of Ephedra pill. When tested after a match against Nigeria at WorldCup 1994, Maradona was found positive to Ephedrine, not allowed by FIFA. As a consequence, he was suspended from playing soccer for more than a year. The vast majority of sportsmen who fail anti-doping test are disgraced. Besides, they have to undergo severe tests and reviews in order to return to competitions.