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Ephedra

Ephedra is an example of a dangerous plant extract, and is also known as Ma Huang, epitonin or ephedrine alkaloids, including ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Ephedra is an extract of the Ephedra vulgaris plant and is marketed as a supplement to help with weight control and boost athletic performance. It is often combined with caffeine, which can augment its adverse effects. Ephedra increases the body’s metabolism by stimulating many organs including the lungs, heart, and adrenal glands. However, stimulation of these organs can be life threatening. Ephedra has been reported to be involved in over 16,000 adverse health reactions, including high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. The FDA has also linked ephedra to as many as 155 deaths. On December 30, 2003, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first announced its plan to ban the sale of ephedra because of these reports. And on February 6, 2004, the FDA passed a final ruling which will go into effect 60 days after the date of publication. FDA officials say the selling of ephedra will become illegal on April 12, 2004. For more information on ephedra, go to: http://www.fda.gov/oc/initiatives/ephedra/december2003/

Claimed Health Benefits

  • Helps increase alertness and mental performance

  • Increases metabolism

  • Aids in athletic performance

  • Helps with weight loss

  • Sexual enhancement

 

Food Sources

None

 

Dosage

The FDA is urging consumers to stop buying and taking ephedra-containing supplements immediately!

 

Evidence for Health Benefits

Studies looking at the effects of ephedra have been inconclusive. Some studies show, when combined with caffeine, ephedra aids in weight loss. However, there appear to be some glitches in the design of most of these studies. Still, other studies show that ephedra has no effect on weight loss.

Ephedra has also been used as a treatment for asthma, low blood pressure, nasal allergies, and sexual dysfunction. However, other drugs are considered safer, and future research is needed to ensure the safety and effectiveness of using ephedra to treat these problems.

 

Cautions

As mentioned before, ephedra has been linked to over 16,000 adverse health reactions including high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, nerve damage, muscle injury, psychosis, and memory loss. The FDA urges consumers to stop taking ephedra.

 

References

1. SupplementWatch, Inc. (2002) Supplement Decisions Made Easy. http://www.supplementwatch.com/supatoz/supplement.asp?supplementId=111 Accessed December 7, 2003.

2. Aetna InteliHealth Inc. (2003) Harvard Medical School’s Consumer Health Information. http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/8513/31402/351420.html?d=dmt Accessed December 8, 2003.

3. Cnn.com (2004) Cable News Network. http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/12/30/ephedra/ Accessed January 6, 2004.

4. MSNBC.com (2004) MSNBC News http://msnbc.msn.com/id/4200753/ Accessed February 10, 2004.

5. FDA (2004) U.S. Food and Drug Administration http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2004/NEW01021.html Accessed February 9, 2004.