Dietary and health supplements containing extracts of the ephedra plant were once marketed in the U.S. as energy boosters and fat reducers. Ephedra extracts contain chemical alkaloids called ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. These compounds increase blood pressure and heart rate, and stimulate neurological activity. However, a number of adverse side effects have been associated with the unregulated, alternative preparation of ephedra-containing nutritional supplements. According to MayoClinic.com, dangers of ephedra use include the potential for stroke and heart attack. While extensive scientific evidence is unavailable, current FDA guidelines forbid the sale of any supplements containing ephedra extracts.
Dietary Supplements
As of February 6, 2004, the FDA declared that dietary adult supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids could no longer be sold in the U.S. due to the potential for serious risk of injury or illness from consumption of such supplements. This ruling cited scientific evidence that showed an "unreasonable risk" for those who use such products. The ability of the FDA to take such swift action on a questionable product was previously defined under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, which allows the FDA to remove questionable supplements should they appear to pose a risk to consumers.
Herbal Teas
The ephedra plant, also known by its Chinese name ma huang, is a cone-bearing shrub that was used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat respiratory inflammation disorders such as asthma and hay fever. Early western pioneers and Native Americans used the leaves of the plant to brew tea that was touted for its efficacy in clearing airways and as an aid for bowel and urinary infections. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, herbal teas brewed from the ephedra plant are not currently considered illegal by the FDA because they fall into the category of foodstuff rather than nutritional supplements.
Pharmaceuticals
In addition to herbal supplements and teas, chemically synthesized ephedrine is used in pharmaceuticals to treat respiratory conditions such as allergies and asthma, and complications of flu and colds. There is no FDA ban on these items as they are highly regulated by the FDA and the pharmaceutical industry. Some over-the-counter products do contain ephedrine, but the amounts are minimal and do not pose the same type of health threat as do unregulated ephedra diet supplements.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Ephedra (Ephedra sinica) / ma huang
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA Issues Regulation Prohibiting Sale of Dietary Supplements Containing Ephedrine Alkaloids and Reiterates Its Advice That Consumers Stop Using These Products
- The Ephedra Site: Ma Huang - aka - Ephedra
- The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Ephedra
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