Ephedra occurs naturally in the Chinese herb Ma Huang. Synthesized versions of ephedrine, such as pseudoephedrine, serve as a short-term treatment for asthma, allergic reactions and bronchitis. Before 2004, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of ephedra, manufacturers also sold ephedra products that claimed to help with weight loss and athletic performance. These products posed many risks to consumers, especially those who had heart- or blood-related problems.
Effects on Blood Pressure
Ephedra reduces your body's ability to lose heat as well as increases your metabolism, causing your body to produce more heat. The increased internal heat causes your heart rate to go up and your blood pressure to increase, which, in turn, causes blood vessels to constrict, making heat dispersal even more difficult. The net effect is an increased risk of heat stroke, which is especially dangerous for a product marketed to boost athletic performance.
FDA Ban
In May 2004, the FDA banned the sale of over-the-counter supplements containing ephedra after receiving thousands of reports of adverse effects, including more than 100 deaths, according to MayoClinic.com. Many of the major safety issues involving ephedra were heart-related, including arrhythmia, heart attack and high blood pressure. In a 2005 statement, the FDA said, "Recent studies have confirmed that ephedrine alkaloids raise blood pressure and otherwise stress the circulatory system, effects that are linked to adverse health effects like heart attacks and strokes."
Interactions
Ephedra may interact with other drugs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. For example, ephedra might increase the effects amphetamines on the body, including raising blood pressure and elevating heart rate. Ephedra also might interact with aspirin and blood-thinning medications, causing you to bleed more. It may interfere with the proper function of blood-pressure medications as well.
Expert Insight
The specific effects of ephedra on the human body are not entirely understood, but the substance has the potential to produce a wide range of negative effects, according to MayoClinic.com. Potential heart and blood-circulation problems include chest tightness, irregular heart rhythm, damaged heart muscle, high blood pressure, heart attack and inflammation of the heart, as well as many other dangerous conditions. The hazardous effects increase for people who have heart disease, heart-rate disorders and high blood pressure.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ephedra
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Ephedra Overview: Potential Dangers of a Widely Used Supplement; Michelle W. Murray
- MayoClinic.com: Ephedra (Ephedra Sinica)/ Ma Huang
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Possible Interactions with: Ephedra
- MayoClinic.com: Ephedra (Ephedra Sinica)/ Ma Huang
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA Acts to Seize Ephedra-Containing Dietary Supplements; December 2005
