Sida cordifolia is an Indian medicinal plant whose extracts have been sold as supplements for athletes because they contain ephedrine-like alkaloids. The plant, known in Ayurveda as bala, yields ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, stimulants that raise heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness, which is why supplement makers pitched it as a fat-burner and performance aid. The risks are those of ephedrine itself: hypertension, arrhythmia, stroke, and death, particularly when combined with caffeine or exercise stress. Ephedrine-containing supplements have been banned or restricted in many countries, and sida cordifolia products fall under the same suspicion. Athletes should note it is prohibited in sport, and the modest stimulant lift is not worth the cardiovascular gamble.