Ma huang (Ephedra sinica)

EPHEDRACEAE, Ephedra Family

Ma huang (Ephedra sinica) is a cone-bearing shrub, 30 to 50 cm in height, which is native to China but now found also in the Mediterranean region, India, Persia, and the western portion of South America. This species grows best in sandy or rocky deserts and mountains. Warm temperate latitudes with less than 20 cm of annual rainfall are suitable for the growth of ma huang, i.e., ma huang is a xerophytic plant capable of growing under semiarid to arid conditions.

The jointed green stems of ma huang are the chief photosynthetic organs of the plant. The plant has tiny, scale-like, opposite leaves that only function briefly when first formed, after which they lose their chlorophyll and turn a faded brown. The stems are tough, relatively flexible, and lack bark for several years.

We know that ephedras have been used at least for 5000 years in China, probably elsewhere. Beverage made with the ephedra plant have been referred to under many names, e.g., yellow river, mormon tea, and whorehouse tea. Ancient Chinese physicians prescribed ephedra tea and pills for the common cold, coughs, asthma, headaches, and hay fever. Ephedra comforts asthma patients by acting as a bronchial dilator. Honey is often added to the ephedra.

Ten species of Ephedra are known to exist in North America, and many were popular in folk medicine and as a daily beverage. After the Mormons had arrived in Utah, the native tribe introduced them to a species of Ephedra, and they used the stems as a substitute for coffee and tea. However, this was considered to be a bitter-tasting tonic beverage. In the Old West, the same species used by the Mormons gained a reputation as a cure for syphilis and gonorrhea, although this cure was never actually proven to work.

The stimulants, or uppers, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, are the two widely used alkaloids of ma huang. These alkaloids are found in highest concentrations in internodes, and in thin stems with fewer nodes (i.e., long internodes), especially less fibrous stems that snap most easily, and they are absent from roots. All the alkaloids are less potent than adrenaline, yet more effective than caffeine. Caffeine–contained in coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, yerba mate, and cola drinks–when combined with ma huang enhances the performance of ma huang, and the results are insomnia, irritability, and nervousness.

Seeds for ma huang are planted in the early spring. During the first year of growth, the plants must be watered and kept entirely weed free. Stems are harvested usually after four years of plant growth, and during the blooming season, when alkaloid content is the highest. Ephedra sinica is not harvested during the summer months, because alkaloid content is reduced when stems are fully hydrated from summer rains.

Stems less than 1.25 cm in diameter are cut, dried in the sun for 15 days, and then artificially dried at 120 degrees F for three more hours. Afterwards, the stems are beaten with sticks to break their great jointing, and then screened to separate unwanted joints from the internodes. Packed in bags or covered in containers, the stems must be stored in a dry atmosphere awaiting shipment.

Ephedrine can be obtained in nonprescription forms. A 24-25 mg capsule containing ma huang comes in a hydrochloride or sulfate salt form. Typically, only 5 mg of ephedrine is contained within this capsule, but ephedrine alkaloid content is not regulated due to its difficulty in being measured as a constant amount. Extreme variability in ephedrine content is associated with different ephedrine species and their places of origin.

Many herbalists agree that the intact ma huang stem is much safer to use for medicinal purposes than its alkaloid extracts. As an example, pure ephedrine raises blood pressure, whereas ephedra stems reduces it. Comparing the alkaloid pseudoephedrine with the entire plant, the entire plant causes fewer heart symptoms. When comparing alkaloid to alkaloid for commercial cold preparations, pseudoephedrine is less risky than ephedrine.

Ma huang and its alkaloids have various medicinal uses, of which only some of the more widely used purposes will be mentioned here, but especially ma huang acts as a bronchial dilator to dry up the sinuses. Pseudoephedrine HCL, an isomer of ephedrine, is claimed to have a longer bronchial dilating effect than ephedrine. This use is especially helpful in treating hay fever, allergies, and asthma. Bronchial dilation also aids in decongesting the chest from the cold and flu. Synthetic ephedrine compounds are widely used in cold and allergy remedies, such as Sudafed.

Ma huang stimulates the nervous system to enhance mood, reduce fatigue, and to make a person alert enough to smell their coffee in the morning. Ma huang also has the ability to increase energy and endurance; it does this through increase of blood flow to the muscles, resulting in an increase of oxygen and nutrient supply to the muscles. Ephedrine also increases basal metabolic rate (BMR), so that the body is spurred to burn calories faster, and so ephedrine is part of the thermogenic process that can result in substantial weight loss. In thermogenesis, white fat stores are mobilized into the bloodstream, where they are carried to the brown fat to be burned up and dissipated as heat.

Administering ma huang causes uterine contractions, thus, menstruation can be initiated. However, during pregnancy, women are not advised to try ma huang. Ma huang can help smokers to quit smoking by decreasing cigarette cravings.

Because it has some effects like adrenaline, some athletics have been known to take ephedra products to enhance physical performance. One recent rumor claimed that downing many Sudafed tablets is a common practice for professional hockey players. Diego Maradona of the Argentina World Cup soccer team tested positive for ephedrine and was removed from competition by the Argentina Football Association, and ephedra is now on the United States Olympic Committee’s list of banned substances.

Finally, ma huang and its alkaloids are marketed to produce euphoria and to increase sexual sensations, and for that reason, ma huang poses a large risk of addiction in adolescence.

The wide range of products that can be formed from ma huang make the plant and its alkaloids very marketable, and extracts of the alkaloids have been used in modern over-the-counter drugs since the 1920s. As just mentioned, ma huang is used to increase sexual sensation and to bring the user to a state of euphoria, and the plant is portrayed as a natural alternative to the street drugs “ecstasy” and “escalation.” Combination products of multiple stimulants are also quite marketable. The kola nut caffeine and green tea extract are used in combination with ephedra to produce multiple stimulants.

As with a lot of other marketable stimulants, adverse side effects are not uncommon. The alkaloids of ma huang can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, very similar to the effects of adrenaline. Blood pressure rises. Unfortunately, there have been reported cases of liver injury and hepatitis, and users experience aggressiveness, anxiety, and tremors. This leads to poor judgment, and thus potential injuries. Complications from these side effects can result in cerebral hemorrhage, cardiac arrest, and, of course, death. Prolonged use of the drug, which is not recommended, can be the cause of weakened adrenal glands, nervousness, and insomnia. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, fever, depression, seizures, and headaches. It should be noted, however, that the low dosage of ephedrine in many ma huang products is not large enough to produce significant cardiovascular changes in everyone.

The United States Food and Drug Administration has described ephedra as an herb of “undefined safety.” But because ephedra plants are considered nutritional supplements, products containing ma huang are not regulated for safety. Repeating from above, alkaloid content varies so greatly from plant to plant and for different ephedra species that it is very difficult to monitor the safety level of each batch. Probably as a result of no monitoring and poor warnings, at least fifteen fatalities have been linked to food products with ephedrine.

In 1993, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine were put on the list of the official regulated chemicals for the state of California. One major reason for this regulation was to help identify illicit drug labs by monitoring quantities and destinations of precursor chemicals. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are used as starting compounds, or “substitute precursors,” in the illicit manufacturing of methamphetamines. Only 50% of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are lost during methamphetamine synthesis; compared with other chemicals used in drug labs for the synthesis of methamphetamine, 50% is a low amount to be lost. The Controlled Substances Act states that all sales of single entity ephedrine products are liable for full record keeping and reporting requirements under the act. If the act is not kept, a person, or a group of people, may be fined $25,000 per violation, including up to ten years in prison.

Many people have the predisposition to believe that because a product is “natural” and available without a prescription that it is healthful and not harmful to the human body. Perhaps an extension of that reasoning, when victims are delivered to hospitals for liver injury, cerebral hemorrhage, and cardiac arrest, many will not reveal their use of such “natural” medicines unless prompted. It is important to remember that anything thought by the government as being of “undefined safety”–whether it has been in use for medicinal purposes for 5000 years or for five years–should always be researched extensively before it is put into your body.

Active Life: 6-8 hours (Diuretic effects)
Drug Class: Loop Diuretic (Oral)
Average Dose: 40-80 mg total in a 12 hour period
Acne: No
Water Retention: Obviously not
High Blood Pressure: No
Liver Toxic: Unknown
Aromatization: Not applicable

Lasix is a brand name for the drug furosemide, a very potent diuretic. Technically it belongs to a class of drugs known as loop diuretics, which will cause the body to excrete water as well as potassium, sodium and chloride. Loop diuretics are among the strongest such drugs available, having an extremely dramatic effect on fluid levels in the body. Potassium levels need to be particularly watched, Lasix greatly increasing the amount excreted. The use of a prescription potassium supplement therefore is often required to keep levels in balance, otherwise a serious heart complications might develop. Mistakes in potassium dosage have equally serious consequences, so Lasix is clearly a risky item to use. But when an athlete needs to shed water, it is very difficult to find something that works better.

Athletes use diuretics for a couple of specific purposes. Competitive athletes use these drugs to drop water weight, in an effort to make adjustments in their weight class standings. Since the weigh-in is most often a day or days before a competition/match, one can drop their bodyweight considerably and be back to normal within hours after rehydration. This logically seems to provide an unfair advantage, the athlete competing at a much heavier weight than believed. This advantage is only offset by the now near universal nature of this practice. Bodybuilders also rely heavily on diuretics when preparing for a contest. It can efficiently lower subcutaneous water concentrations, helping to produce that super-ripped look so common on stage today. Make no mistake; a winning look is extremely difficult to obtain without some form of diuretic.

This drug is prepared as both an oral tablet (usually 20-40mg per tablet) or IM/IV injection solution, the injection being much more rapid in effect. The dosage and method of administration is tailored to the individual, dependent on the desired goals and condition of the athlete. Tablets are the most common form of administration. Each oral Lasix tablet becomes effective about 1 hour after ingesting and will remain active for an additional 3 or 4 hours. The athlete will usually start with a mild dose, and add to this amount accordingly later in the day. The initial dosage is usually 20 to 40mg, with the maximum amount usually not to exceed 80mg. The user will attempt to calculate the optimal dosage, and determine the best intake schedule in relation to the show or competition. In order to minimize the side effects associated with this drug, it is generally used for no longer than a few days.

Since Lasix has such a strong effect on electrolyte and potassium levels, it is much safer to addition a potassium sparing agent like Aldactone® (spironolactone) than it is to keep increasing the amount of Lasix used. A combination of 50mg Aldactone® and 20mg Lasix would be a good starting point, having roughly the effect of a 40mg Lasix tablet without the notable potassium loss. This dosage is repeated 2-3 times during the day and the effect judged to determine the optimal dosage. It is important to remember that these drugs can be active for many hours. It can become difficult to control the dehydrating effect with an overlapping schedule, so one should be careful not to administer such diuretics too frequently.

Lasix is no doubt one of the most dangerous drugs a competitor will use. This can be seen on occasion when severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance takes the life of an ambitious athlete. Warning signs that Lasix may be causing severe dehydration include (not limited to) dizziness, cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting and circulatory disturbances. Potassium depletion can be marked as well, so as discussed users often opt to take a prescription potassium supplement, also with its own set of dangers. One should use extreme caution when considering using Lasix or other diuretics; they are certainly not needed for recreational users.

This product is widely available. It is manufactured and sold under many different brand names, in many countries. No version of Lasix (or any other diuretic) is currently being counterfeited. When found on the black market it can therefore be trusted. Although it is doubtful these will circulate, make sure never to purchase the 500mg tablets. These are used only in severe medical conditions, and contain a dosage that could prove fatal to a healthy person.

Testosterone

Trans-Testosterone; Androlin; Android; Halotensin; Oreton; Testex; Testoderm; Testred; Virilon; Androst-4-en-17b-ol-3-one; 17b-Hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3-one

This hGH peptide fragment is a modified form of amino acids 176-191 at the C-terminal region of the human growth hormone (hGH).

It has been shown that the fat-reducing effects of GH appear to be controlled by a small analog region of the C-terminus end of the GH molecule. This region consists of amino acids 176-191, thus the name. This peptide fragment works by mimicking the way natural hGH regulates fat metabolism but without the adverse effects on blood sugar or growth that is seen with unmodified hGH. Like unmodified GH, the HGH fragment 176-191 stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis both en vivo/en vitro. Fragment 176-191 has shown no effect on growth or insulin resistance, unlike the full hGH molecule. This is the newest, most powerful hGH fragment on the market. Studies have shown sustained fatloss, aimed directly at adipose tissue.

L-Histidyl-2-methyl-D-tryptophyl-L-alanyl-L-tryptophyl-D-phenylalanyl-L-lysinamide; Examorelin

Hexarelin is a six-amino acid peptide.  Studies have shown that hexarelin is actually more effective and longer lasting than growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH).  It is also known that GHRP-6 has a synergistic effect with GHRH, causing a far greater release than either of these substances alone.  By combining GHRP-6 with Hexarelin, a more potent GH releasing peptide combination is created than ever heard of. The potential clinical usefulness of these GH releasing hexapeptides is also reinforced by observations that long-term administration produces elevations in circulating IGF-1 concentrations.  Long term treatment with GHRP-6 similarly has been shown to elevate serum IGF-1 as well as IGF-binding protein-3 concentrations and promote linear growth.

The ischemic stroke is the third leading cause of death in developed countries. The C-terminal peptide of mechano-growth factor (MGF), an alternatively spliced variant of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), was found to function independently from the rest of the molecule and showed a neuroprotective effect in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, in a gerbil model of transient brain ischemia, treatment with the synthetic MGF C-terminal peptide provided very significant protection to the vulnerable neurons. In the same model, ischemia evoked increased expression of endogenous MGF in the ischemia-resistant hippocampal neurons, suggesting that the endogenous MGF might have an important neuroprotective function. In an in vitro organotypic hippocampal culture model of neurodegeneration, the synthetic peptide was as potent as the full-length IGF-1 while its effect lasted significantly longer than that of recombinant IGF-1. While two peptides showed an additive effect, the neuroprotective action of the C-terminal MGF was independent from the IGF-1 receptor, indicating a new mode of action for this molecule. Although MGF is known for its regenerative capability in skeletal muscle, our findings demonstrate for the first time a neuroprotective role against ischemia for this specific IGF-1 isoform. Therefore, the C-terminal MGF peptide has a potential to be developed into a therapeutic modality for the prevention of neuronal damage. Dluzniewska J, et al. FASEB J. 2005 Sep 6; [Epub ahead of print]

Different roles of the IGF-I Ec peptide (MGF) and mature IGF-I in myoblast proliferation and differentiation

Yang SY, Goldspink G. FEBS Lett. 2002 Jul 3;522(1-3):156-60.

Melanotan II;n-acetyl-l-norleucyl-l-alpha-aspartyl-l-histidyl-d-phenylalanyl-l-arginyl-l-tryptophyl-l-lysinamide (2->7)-lactam; ac-nle-asp-his-d-phe-arg-trp-lys-nh2; ac-(nle4,asp5,d-phe7,lys10)alpha-msh-(4-10)-nh2

This article is the property of Pure Peptides. You may visit there site for more information www.purpeptides.com

Melanotan II is an analog of the peptide hormone alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (?-MSH) that induces skin tanning. Melanotan II has the additional effect of increasing libido. Melanotan II has aphrodisiac properties. It is a cyclic lactyam analog of alpha-MSH with the amino acid sequence Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2. Palatin.

Melanotan II also known as PT-141 was developed by researchers at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Melanotan II is an analog of the peptide hormone alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (?-MSH), this hormone provides a therapeutic tan with the ability to lower the risk of skin cancer, (MSH) also plays an important role in regulating sexual arousal in men and women. Melanotan II has the additional effect of decreasing body fat mass. Melanotan II It is a cyclic lactyam analog of alpha-MSH with the amino acid sequence Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2.

Melanotan II is in a class of peptide hormone known as Melanocortins (MCs). Melanocortins (MCs) are multifunctional peptide hormones that regulate a diversity of physiological functions. MCs have been implicated in sexual function in animals.

A MC analog, Melanotan II (MTII), can enhance sexual function in human males (erectile activity) and females (increased levels of sexual desire and genital arousal). Unlike other sexual-enhancement drugs, MTII works at the level of the brain, thus eliciting a rather natural sexual response with minimal or no undesirable side effects. The actions of the peptide were discovered accidentally while studying the effects of the peptide and related analogs on human skin pigmentation (tanning). Hadley ME (2005).

Melanotan II, PT-141, a cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin analog, was evaluated following subcutaneous administration to healthy male subjects and to patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) who report an inadequate response to Viagra. The erectile response induced by PT-141 was statistically significant at both doses. PT-141 was safe and well tolerated in both studies. The erectogenic potential of PT-141, its tolerability profile and its ability to cause significant erections in patients who do not have an adequate response to a PDE5 inhibitor suggest that PT-141 may provide an alternative treatment for ED with a potentially broad patient base.Rosen RC, Diamond LE, Earle DC, Shadiack AM,Molinoff PB (2004).

In addition to the sexual enhancement and tanning effects of Melanotan II, MT-II has also exhibited the potential to decrease body fat mass and reduce food intake. Choi YH, Li C, Hartzell DL, Lin J, Della-Fera MA, Baile CA (2003).
MT-II has tanning activity in humans given only 5 low doses every other day by subcutaneous injection. The recommended single MT-II dose for future Phase I studies is 0.025 mg/kg/day.

Synonym: Ac-[Nle4Asp5D-Phe7Lys10]?-MSH-(4-10)-NH2
Amino Acid Sequence: Ac-Nle-Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys-NH2
Molecular Formula: C50H69N15O9 · xC2HF3O2
Molecular Weight: 1024.18

GHRP-6; (2S)-6-amino-2-[[2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2R)-2-[[(2S)-2-amino-3-(3H-imidazol-4-yl)propanoyl]amino]-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoyl]amino]-3-phenyl-propanoyl]amino]hexanamide

Summarized research in applications of GHRP-6: GHRP – 6 is a true hGH secretagogue. Which means it stimulates the body’s own secretion of hGH as explained in the study below. Human Growth hormone has been shown in studies to promote lean body mass and reduce adiposity (fat). ‘The group compared ITT to stimulation with GH releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6). The synthetic hexapeptide, also named pralmorelin, is derived from a metenkephalin peptide. It is the most potent of the family of synthetic GH stimuli known in humans and acts via the endogenous ghrelin receptor (12). As these receptors have been identified both in the hypothalamus and the pituitary, GHRP-6 action may not be restricted to the pituitary. Previous data confirmed by the recent work of Chihara et al. in the present issue suggest a dose-dependent and specific GH release in healthy volunteers independent of age, sex and obesity (13), and support the results of the combination tests of GHRP-6 with GHRH (14).’ GHRP – 6 also has a protective effect on the liver and an anti-inflammatory effect. These are paramount attributes for experiments involving muscle synthesis and recovery. ‘It has been reported that growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6), a ghrelin receptor agonist, has an anti-inflammatory effect. We investigated whether this GH secretagogue attenuates liver injury in LPS-treated rats. Wistar rats were simultaneously injected (ip) with LPS (1 mg/kg) and/or GHRP-6 (100 microg/kg). Serum levels of aspartate and alanine transaminases were measured as an index of liver damage. Circulating nitrites/nitrates and hepatic IGF-I and TNF-alpha were evaluated as possible mediators of GHRP-6 actions. LPS increased serum levels of transaminases and nitrites/nitrates. Moreover, LPS increased hepatic TNF-alpha and decreased hepatic IGF-I mRNAs. GHRP-6 administration attenuated the effects of LPS on transaminases, nitrites/nitrates, TNF-alpha, and IGF-I in vivo. This GHRP-6 effect does not seem to be due to modifications in food intake, since fasting did not modify serum levels of transaminases, serum nitrites/nitrates, and hepatic TNF-alpha mRNA both in vehicle rats and in LPS-injected rats. To elucidate whether GHRP-6 is acting directly on the liver, cocultures of hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells and monocultures of isolated hepatocytes were incubated with LPS and GHRP-6. The ghrelin receptor agonist prevented an endotoxin-induced increase in transaminases and nitrite/nitrate release as well as in TNF-alpha mRNA and increased IGF-I mRNA from cocultures of hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells, but not from monocultures. In summary, these data indicate that GHRP-6 has a protective effect on the liver in LPS-injected rats that seems to be mediated by IGF-I, TNF-alpha, and nitric oxide. Our data also suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of GHRP-6 in the liver is exerted on nonparenchymal cells.’ GHRP 6 has demonstrated that it is very effective at stimulating GH production in test subjects. It has a short half life with peak concentrations occurring around 15 minutes and not longer than 60 minutes after administration. Effective dosages in humans range from 100mcg to 3mcg/Kg of body weight and shows to be equally effective in both men and women. Bibliography: Anderson SM, Shah N, Evans WS, Patrie JT, Bowers CY, Veldhuis JD. 2001. Short-term estradiol supplementation augments growth hormone (GH) secretory responsiveness to dose-varying GH-releasing peptide infusions in healthy postmenopausal women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001 Feb;86(2):551-60. Brabant, Georg. 2007. GH releasing peptide 6 test: the holy grail of testing GH deficiency? European Journal of Endocrinology, Vol 157, Issue 1, 29-30 Chihara K, Shimatsu A, Hizuka N, Tanaka T, Seino Y, Katofor Y; KP-102 Study Group. 2007. A simple diagnostic test using GH-releasing peptide-6 in adult GH deficiency. Eur J Endocrinol. Jul;157(1):19-27. Granado, M., Martín, AI., López-Menduiña, M., López-Calderón, A., Villanúa, MA. 2008. GH-releasing peptide-6 administration prevents liver inflammatory response in endotoxemia., Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab., Jan;294(1):E131-41. Epub 2007 Nov Paulo RC, Cosma M, Soares-Welch C, Bailey JN, Mielke KL, Miles JM, Bowers CY, Veldhuis JD. 2008. Gonadal status and body mass index jointly determine growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone/GH-releasing peptide synergy in healthy men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Mar;93(3):944-50. Epub 2007 Dec 11 RI labs GHRP comes in the value size of 5MG’s and includes NACL solution for constitution. This product is for research purposes only.