Ephedra comes from a Central Asian or Mongolian plant. The active ingredient, ephedrine, dramatically stimulates the nervous and circulatory systems. It has been used in Chinese and Indian medicine for more than 5,000 years for headaches, colds, asthma and other upper respiratory conditions. Ephedra is now also used in diet supplements. However, the user should proceed with caution, and should discuss using ephedra with a physician.
Usage History
Ephedra is also called Chinese Ephedra, ma huang or epitomin in traditional Chinese medicine. In modern times, ephedra has been used in diet medicines to increase energy, weight loss and athletic performance. Nine hundred FDA reports of ephedra poisoning were made between 1995 and 1997. Of those 900 cases, 37 resulted in stroke, heart attack and sudden death. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, funded a study analyzing poison control center calls regarding ephedra side effects. The results showed that there are more reported side effects from ephedra than other herbal products. In 2004, the FDA banned the sale of diet supplements containing ephedra in the United States. It found that ephedra diet pills facilitate short-term weight loss, yet causes serious illness, injury or death. Furthermore, there was little to no evidence that it increased athletic performance. Herbal Science International Inc. recalled nine supplements containing ephedra due to the FDA ban.
Side Effects
Many side effects are asociated with ephedra diet supplements. Less serious ones include frequent urination, dry mouth, headache, stomach irritation, kidney stones, nausea, anxiety, tremors or uncontrollable body shakes and sleep disturbances. Irregular heart beat, increased blood pressure, heart damage, psychosis, stroke and heart attacks are more serious side effects, some resulting in death.
Cautions
The FDA also cautions persons with certain conditions or illnesses about ephedra usage. Pregnant or nursing mothers should not take ephedra. It worsens cardiovascular and kidney disease, and worsens diabetes. Ephedra can worsen or create seizure disorders. Most of all, consult a doctor or health care professional about using ephedra. Discuss health conditions, concerns and all other medicines, supplements or herbal products being taken.
Drug Interactions
Interactions involving ephedra's active ingredient, ephedrine, have been reported. Using an amphetamine and its derivatives, such as drugs used for ADHD and narcolepsy, may increase their effects when taken while using ephedra. Specifically, blood pressure and heart rate could increase even more. Ephedra adversely interacts with tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine and nortriptyline; and MAIOs or monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Increased bleeding may occur when taking ephedra while using aspirin and blood thinning medicines. Ephedra with Clonidine and other blood pressure lowering medicines may produce adverse effects. Caffeine could intensify the side effects of ephedra. Morphine, codeine and other pain or cough medications may interact with ephedra. The asthma medication, Theophylline, should also not be taken with ephedra.
References
- National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine; "Ephedra"; July, 2009
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration; "Herbal Science International, Inc. Recalls Twelve Dietary Herbal Supplements Nationwide Because of Possible Health Risk Associated with Ephedra, Aristolochic Acid and Human Placenta"; April, 2007
- Ntional Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine; "Ephedra"; July, 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; "Possible Interactions with Ephedra"; 2006
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