Feds Seize Ephedrine Supplements in California

At the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Marshals have seized raw materials imported by Infinity Marketing Group, Inc. containing ephedrine alkaloids, a large family of pharmacological compounds called sympathomimetics banned by FDA since 2004 for use in dietary supplements.

The seizure took place in Rancho Dominguez, Calif. FDA said the seizure amount to more than $70,000 worth of the potentially dangerous dietary supplement ingredients from the market.

Judge Gary A. Feess of the Central District of California issued a warrant for the seizure of more than 4,000 pounds of raw material – Cissus quadrangularis and Cassia angustifolia extracts – containing the ephedrine alkaloids.

Dangerous effects

Ephedrine alkaloids are adrenaline-like stimulants that can have potentially dangerous effects on the heart. Prior to 2004, dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids had been extensively promoted for aiding weight control and boosting sports performance and energy.

But available data showed little evidence of the compound’s effectiveness except for modest, short-term weight loss without any clear health benefit, while confirming that the substance raised blood pressure and otherwise stressed the circulatory system. These effects were linked to significant adverse health outcomes, including heart attack, stroke and death.

FDA’s chemical analysis confirmed the presence of these alkaloids in the shipment, but the shipping drums carried no labels indicating that the material contained the banned ephedrine alkaloids.