Ephedra

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about ephedra, an herb used for its flavor, scent, and potential therapeutic properties. Ephedra encompasses various plant parts, including flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. The principal active ingredient, ephedrine, is a compound that can powerfully stimulate the nervous system and heart. Ephedra is an evergreen shrubby plant native to Central Asia and Mongolia.

Common Names

• Ephedra
• Chinese Ephedra
• Ma Huang

Latin Names

Ephedra sinica

What It Is Used For

• Ephedra has been used for over 5,000 years in China and India to treat conditions such as colds, fever, flu, headaches, asthma, wheezing, and nasal congestion.
• It has also been an ingredient in many dietary supplements aimed at weight loss, increased energy, and enhanced athletic performance.

How It Is Used

The dried stems and leaves of the plant are used to create capsules, tablets, extracts, tinctures, and teas.

What the Science Says

• An NCCAM-funded study found a higher rate of side effects from ephedra compared to other herbal products.
• Other studies have identified an increased risk of heart, psychiatric, and gastrointestinal problems, as well as high blood pressure and stroke, associated with ephedra use.
• According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is little evidence of ephedra’s effectiveness, except for short-term weight loss. Still, the risks of heart problems and stroke outweigh any potential benefits.

Side Effects and Cautions

• In 2004, the FDA banned the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedra due to an unreasonable risk of injury or illness, particularly cardiovascular complications, and a risk of death. This ban does not apply to traditional Chinese herbal remedies or products like herbal teas, which are regulated as conventional foods.
• Between 1995 and 1997, the FDA received over 900 reports of possible ephedra toxicity, with serious adverse events such as stroke, heart attack, and sudden death reported in 37 cases.
• Using ephedra may worsen health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, sleep disorders, and diabetes.
• Side effects can include nausea, anxiety, headache, psychosis, kidney stones, tremors, dry mouth, irregular heart rhythms, heart damage, high blood pressure, restlessness, sleep problems, stomach irritation, and increased urination.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children should avoid taking ephedra.
• Ephedra may lead to serious health problems when used with other dietary supplements or medications, and combining it with caffeine increases the risk of serious side effects.
• It is important to inform your healthcare providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use to ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Ephedra. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed on July 9, 2007.
• Ephedra (Ma Huang). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:189-195.
• Ephedra (Ephedra sinica)/Ma Huang. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed on July 3, 2007.
• Ephedra. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:110-117.
• Ephedra. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site.
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  NCCAM National Institutes of Health