Ephedrine

The chemical compound ephedrine is an alkaloid derived from a shrub in the family Ephedraceae, commonly known as ephedra.

It is a stimulant that acts on the central nervous system, and is widely used as a nasal decongestant[?] and a treatment for asthma.

Ephedrine is found in many popular weight control products, some of which the FDA believes may be hazardous. Most of the serious injuries associated with ephedrine involve high blood pressure that can cause bleeding in brain, a stroke or a heart attack.