Ephedra

Ma huang

Ephedra is a naturally occurring substance that comes from botanicals. The principal active ingredient, ephedrine, is an amphetamine-like compound that can powerfully stimulate the nervous system and heart.

Ephedrine alkaloids are found naturally in a number of plants, including the ephedra species (also known by the traditional Chinese medicine name ma huang, Chinese Ephedra, or epitonin). In recent years, ephedra products have been marketed as dietary supplements to promote weight loss, increase energy, and enhance athletic performance.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is concerned that ephedra can have potentially dangerous effects on the heart, including increased blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack, and increased risk of suffering a stroke.

Side effects of Ephedra include:

• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• Tremor
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Vomiting
• Potential dependence

At high doses, Ephedra has even been reported to cause:

• High blood pressure
• Chest pain
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Seizures
• Irregular and racing heartbeat, possibly leading to death

On December 30, 2003, the FDA issued a consumer alert on the safety of dietary supplements containing ephedra. Consumers have been advised to stop using Ephedra immediately.

On February 6, 2004, the (FDA) issues a final ruling on the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedra. The agency prohibits the sale of such supplements because they present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury.

Source: FDA Consumer Alert Regarding Ephedra and Ma Huang; National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; “Ephedra - Topic Overview,” WedMd.com, July 7, 2005; “Ephedra (Ephedra sinica),” MayoClinic.com, May 1, 2006.