Ephedra (Ma-Huang)

Ephedra is a plant that contains a variety of ephedrine alkaloids, including ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.

Dietary supplements containing ephedra were marketed in USA as agents that may aid in wt reduction and energy enhancement. Ephedra may be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

In 2004, USA banned the sale of ephedra-containing supplements with a subsequent marked decrease in reported poisonings.

Although banned in USA, sale of ephedra-containing supplements continues via internet resources.

Some supplements have been marketed as “ephedrine-free” or as legal ephedra products, in which ephedra is replaced with other herbal stimulants such as bitter orange.

Ephedra-containing substances are also known as ma-huang, Mormon tea, squaw tea, and herbal ecstasy.

Risks associated with an increase in the sympathetic nervous system activity and dysrhythmias and Htn

Lethal cardiac arrhythmias, Htn, myocarditis, MI, angina, increased thermogenesis

Hemorrhagic and/or ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral vasculitis, seizures

Bronchial dilation, acute hepatitis

Preterm labor