Leena Watts
Ephedra, also known as ma huang, is a plant native to Asia that has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. In the 1990s, it gained popularity in the United States as a weight loss supplement and athletic performance enhancer. Ephedra contains multiple chemical compounds, but the most notable is ephedrine, which increases the body's metabolic rate and promotes weight loss. Despite its benefits, ephedra has been linked to adverse effects, including seizures, psychiatric complications, and cardiovascular problems. Due to safety concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine in 2004. However, some ephedrine-containing medications are still available, and the drug continues to be used for certain medical purposes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ephedra | A plant native to Asia, also known as ma huang |
| Ephedrine | A molecule found in ephedra, impacting several bodily processes |
| Uses | Used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and as a stimulant and decongestant to treat lung problems and asthma |
| Dietary Supplements | Ephedra was a common ingredient in dietary supplements until the mid-2000s when it was banned by the FDA due to safety concerns |
| Weight Loss | Studies show that ephedrine boosts metabolism and promotes weight loss, but long-term effects are unknown |
| Side Effects | May increase heart rate, and increase the risk of nausea, vomiting, jitteriness, and palpitations |
| Athletic Performance | Ephedrine has been used by athletes to improve performance, but studies show limited benefits and potential adverse effects |
| Regulation | The sale of supplements containing ephedrine is banned in the US, but some states allow its use for medical purposes |
| Alternative Products | Some dietary supplements are marketed as containing "safe ephedra extracts" but may not actually contain ephedra |
| Precautions | Supplements are not regulated, so consumers should use caution and consult a doctor before use |
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What You'll Learn
Ephedra and ephedrine can cause seizures and psychiatric complications
Ephedra, also known as ma huang, is a plant native to Asia that has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Its active component, ephedrine, is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that increases the metabolic rate and promotes weight loss.
Despite its benefits, ephedra and ephedrine can have severe side effects, including seizures and psychiatric complications. Seizures have been reported in association with the use of dietary supplements containing ephedra and ephedrine. Ephedra can stimulate the heart, and in some individuals prone to seizures, it might bring on a seizure.
Psychiatric adverse events associated with ephedra use have been reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A review of 1,820 adverse event reports found 57 serious psychiatric events, including psychosis, severe depression, mania or agitation, hallucinations, sleep disturbance, and suicidal ideation. Ten events involved physical harm, and five resulted in legal action due to criminal behavior. Twenty-six events resulted in hospitalization, with at least six being involuntary. It is important to note that two-thirds of the cases involved patients with pre-existing psychiatric conditions and/or the use of other medications or illicit substances.
A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that ephedra users had significantly higher odds of experiencing psychiatric symptoms such as euphoria, neurotic behaviour, agitation, depressed mood, giddiness, irritability, and anxiety compared to those taking a placebo. The combination of ephedrine with other stimulants like caffeine can further increase the risk of severe side effects.
Due to safety concerns, the FDA banned products containing ephedrine in 2004. However, some ephedrine-containing medications are still available over the counter, and some dietary supplements containing ephedra can still be found on the market.
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Ephedra was used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine
Ephedra, also known as Ma Huang, is a plant native to Asia that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, a premodern classic of Chinese medicine written around 100 AD, where it is described as a treatment for bronchial asthma, colds, and influenza. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia calls for the use of the grassy stems of the plant as Ma-huang, and the root and rhizome as Ma-huang-gen.
In traditional Chinese medicine, ephedra was used to induce perspiration and treat the symptoms of colds, fever, headaches, congestion, coughing, wheezing, and other conditions. It was also believed to boost metabolism and promote weight loss.
Ephedra has also been used in traditional Indian medicine, where it is mentioned in the Vedas, a collection of hymns, prayers, and philosophical texts written around 1500 BC. The plant is described as a holy substance and a god, and is associated with healing and inspiration.
Native Americans and Mormon pioneers also drank a tea brewed from a species of ephedra plant, called "Mormon tea" or "Indian tea".
Due to safety concerns, the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids was banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004. However, some ephedrine-containing medications are still available over the counter, and ephedra products like Ma Huang tea can still be purchased.
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The FDA banned ephedra products in 2004
Ephedra is a plant that contains multiple chemical compounds, the most notable of which is ephedrine. Ephedrine has been shown to increase the metabolic rate and promote weight loss. It was a common ingredient in dietary supplements until the mid-2000s.
However, in 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids. The FDA's decision was based on safety concerns and the serious risks associated with ephedra use. Even in relatively low doses and with short-term use, ephedra has been linked to harmful effects such as high blood pressure, heart attack, seizure, stroke, and psychosis. It can also cause anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, heartburn, insomnia, irritability, nausea, and personality changes.
The ban on ephedra products by the FDA has been effective in reducing ephedra-related poisonings and adverse events. Data from the National Poison Data System shows a sharp reduction in ephedra poisonings and exposures resulting in major effects or deaths since the ban was implemented. The number of poisonings resulting in major effects or deaths decreased by more than 98% since 2002.
It is important to note that while the FDA has banned dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids, the herb and products like ma huang tea are still available for purchase. Some ephedrine-containing medications may also still be available over the counter, but regulations on their purchase can vary by state.
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Ephedra and ephedrine can increase heart rate and cause nausea and vomiting
Ephedra, also known as ma huang, is a plant native to Asia that has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. The molecule ephedrine is the most notable of its multiple chemical compounds. Ephedrine has been shown to increase metabolic rate and fat burning, making it a popular ingredient in dietary supplements.
However, ephedra and ephedrine have been associated with adverse cardiovascular events and effects on the central nervous system. Negative effects on blood pressure and heart rate have been reported, with the maximum change in heart rate of 15 beats per minute occurring 6 hours after ingestion.
Ephedra and ephedrine can also increase the risk of nausea, vomiting, jitteriness, and palpitations. These products may be linked to catastrophic events such as sudden death, heart attack, or stroke. The combination of ephedrine and caffeine, in particular, may increase the likelihood of adverse events.
Due to safety concerns, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned products containing ephedrine in 2004. Some ephedrine-containing medications are still available over the counter, though regulations on their purchase vary by state. The FDA's ban followed growing numbers of consumer complaints about ephedra products in the late 1990s, including reports of adverse events, serious side effects, and even deaths in apparently healthy young people.
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Ephedra and ephedrine promote short-term weight loss
Ephedra is a plant native to Asia that has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. The active components of ephedra, known as ephedrine alkaloids, are stimulants that can increase heart rate and blood pressure and relax bronchial tissue, easing shortness of breath. At low doses, they are said to decrease appetite, increase alertness and productivity, improve mood, and decrease fatigue.
Ephedra and ephedrine have been observed to promote short-term weight loss. In clinical trials, ephedrine and ephedra promoted modest short-term weight loss of approximately 0.9 kg/mo more than a placebo. Products containing caffeine promoted slightly more weight loss than those containing only ephedrine. Over the short term (four to six months), ephedrine, ephedrine plus caffeine, and supplements containing ephedra or ephedra plus caffeine promoted modest increases in weight loss, about two pounds per month more than the weight loss of persons taking the placebo. One study found that the number of calories burned over 24 hours was 3.6% greater when healthy adults took ephedrine compared to when they took a placebo.
However, it is important to note that there are safety concerns associated with the use of ephedra and ephedrine. The use of ephedra or ephedrine is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric, autonomic, or gastrointestinal symptoms, heart palpitations, jitteriness, mood changes, nausea, and vomiting. Due to these safety concerns, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned products containing ephedrine in 2004. While the ephedra herb and products like ma huang tea are available for purchase, dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids are not.
Furthermore, there are limitations to the existing studies on the effectiveness of ephedra and ephedrine for weight loss. None of the studies lasted longer than six months, which is less than the minimum of twelve months considered necessary to establish the value of a weight loss product. Long-term assessments of the effectiveness of ephedra or ephedrine for promoting weight loss are lacking, and the benefit of these substances for health outcomes is unknown. The majority of studies of both ephedra and ephedrine are also plagued by methodological problems, particularly high attrition rates, that might contribute to bias.
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Frequently asked questions
No, in 2004 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the sale of supplements containing ephedrine after a number of deaths and adverse effect cases.
Ephedra, also known as ma huang, is a plant native to Asia. It has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. The most notable chemical compound in the plant is ephedrine, which impacts several bodily processes.
Ephedra has been used to boost energy and promote weight loss. Some studies have shown that it can increase metabolic rate and fat burning. However, it has also been linked to nausea, vomiting, jitteriness, and palpitations.
Some dietary supplement manufacturers market weight loss products that contain other compounds found in ephedra, but not ephedrine alkaloids. These products may not have the same safety concerns as ephedra-containing products, but they may also be less effective.
Products like ma huang tea are available for purchase. Ephedrine-containing medications are also available over the counter, but regulations on their purchase vary by state.
