Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is a common psychiatric problem that often is noticed early in life. This condition includes trouble concentrating, hyperactive behavior and other symptoms, such as restlessness. Although ma huang and the prescription medication Adderall work similarly, ma huang can cause severe side effects and some forms of it are banned in the United States, so it should not be used as a substitute for ADHD medications.
What Is Ma Huang?
Ma huang, also known as ephedra, is an herbal stimulant that contains the compound ephedrine and is often combined with caffeine to increase stimulation of the central nervous system. The substance has been traditionally used to help people with weight loss, as a treatment for allergies and asthma, to increase blood pressure and to increase sexual arousal. However, safety concerns regarding ma huang caused it to be banned in the United States as a dietary supplement, although not as a tea or as a Chinese herbal remedy.
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription medication, a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Both compounds function as stimulants. Adderall is often prescribed for people with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder because some symptoms can be alleviated by increasing the amount of stimulation in the brain. Adderall is often taken throughout the day to help patients concentrate and focus better. The drug is also sometimes abused because of its amphetamine content.
Ma Huang vs. Adderall
Technically speaking, both ma huang and Adderall function as stimulants for the central nervous system, which means ma huang could possibly alleviate symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder via the same mechanism by which Adderall works. However, ma huang can cause serious side effects, including irregular heartbeat, heart attack and stroke. The effects of ma huang on ADHD have not been rigorously studied in a controlled scientific study. Taking this herbal compound as a treatment for ADHD is extremely dangerous. Talk with your doctor or your child's pediatrician before trying any new treatment.
Quality
In addition to ma huang's potentially fatal side effects, another concern is the quality of the product. Adderall is a prescription medication, carefully regulated for the purity and dosage in each tablet. Supplements such as ma huang are not as carefully regulated, which means that the amount of ephedrine in the tablets can vary widely; in some cases, ephedrine may not be present at all. Ma huang should not be taken without talking to your doctor first, and should never be used as a substitute for prescription medications.
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