ma huang (ephedra) Health Article

Generic name(s):

ma huang (ephedra)

Brand name(s):

What is the most important information I should know about ma huang (ephedra)?

Because ma huang (ephedra) has been reported to cause serious, even fatal, side effects such as heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeats, and sudden death, the FDA has recommended that consumers not take ma huang. Ma huang is not recommended for use by people with heart disease; angina (chest pain); irregular heartbeats; high blood pressure; blood vessel disease; asthma or other lung disease; diabetes; insomnia; eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia); glaucoma; kidney disease; liver disease or hepatitis; mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, mania, bipolar disorder or psychosis; hyperthyroidism; prostate problems; urinary retention; or seizures.

Ma huang has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of ma huang may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

What is ma huang (ephedra)?

Because ma huang (ephedra) has been reported to cause serious, even fatal, side effects such as heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeats, and sudden death, the FDA has recommended that consumers not take ma huang.

The use of ma huang in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

Ma huang is also known as sea ephedrine, ephedra, ephedra alkaloids, sea grape, yellow horse, yellow astringent, joint fir, squaw tea, Mormon tea, popotillo, and teamster's tea.

Ma huang has been used as a stimulant and for weight loss and appetite suppression.

Ma huang has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of ma huang may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Ma huang may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ma huang (ephedra)?

Ma huang is not recommended for use by people with

• heart disease; angina (chest pain); irregular heartbeats; high blood pressure; or blood vessel disease;

• asthma or other lung disease;

• diabetes;

• insomnia;

• eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia);

• glaucoma;

• kidney disease;
• liver disease or hepatitis;

• hyperthyroidism;

• mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, mania, bipolar disorder or psychosis;

• prostate problems;

• urinary retention; or

• seizures.

The use of ma huang may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Before taking ma huang, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Ma huang may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take ma huang without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. Ma huang may be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take ma huang without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Ma huang may be harmful to a nursing infant. There is no information available regarding the use of ma huang by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.