Ephedra is a natural chemical produced from Ma Huang, a traditional Chinese herb. The main active ingredients of ephedra are the stimulants ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Before it was banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2004, ephedra was marketed as a weight loss and energy boosting supplement. However, thousands of reports of serious adverse effects and deaths led the FDA to formally ban the sale of all dietary supplements containing ephedra. Of particular concern was the increased risk of cardiovascular problems it caused.
Increased Heart Rate
Ephedra contains two powerful central nervous stimulants, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which have properties similar to amphetamine. This stimulant effect suppresses appetite, leading to temporary weight loss, which is why ephedra rapidly gained popularity at first. However, the stimulating effects of ephedra also effect heart rate, either causing an increased heart rate, or an irregular heart beat and palpitations, reports the U.S. Office of Environmental Health Hazards Assessment.
High Blood Pressure
The stimulants ephedrine and pseudoephedrine also cause the blood vessels to constrict. In low doses, this constriction of blood vessels acts as a decongestant, which is the indication for ephedra in traditional Chinese medicine. However, in high doses, constricting blood vessels can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels, explains the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. Combing ephedra with aspirin, caffeine or both increases the temporary weight loss, but also increases the risk of high blood pressure.
Heart Attack
The effects of ephedra on heart rate and blood vessels increases the risk of sudden heart attack and heart failure. Several studies linked ephedra with an increased risk of sudden death in otherwise healthy adults, reports the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. Combing ephedra with caffeine or other stimulants further increases this risk.
Other Side Effects
Ephedra has been linked to several other severe side effects, including increased risk of seizure and stroke. Other less serious side effects include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, headaches, kidney stones and irritation of the stomach. Ephedra has also been linked to a number of neurological effects, including insomnia, psychosis, irritability and tremors.
