Ephedra (medicine)

Ephedra (medicine)

Ephedra is a medicinal preparation from the plant Ephedra sinica. Several additional species belonging to the genus Ephedra have traditionally been used for a variety of medicinal purposes, and are a possible candidate for the Soma plant of Indo-Iranian religion. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than two thousand years. Ephedra is also sometimes called ma huang.

History[edit]

The Chinese have used Ephedra sinica, known as ma huang, for more than 5,000 years in the treatment of asthma, hay fever, and the common cold. They discovered its therapeutic value for treating respiratory ailments, such as asthma. The plant remains a popular traditional medicine in China.

Uses[edit]

Ephedra is used for weight loss and obesity and to enhance athletic performance. It is also used for allergies and hay fever; nasal congestion; and respiratory tract conditions such as bronchospasm, asthma, and bronchitis. It is also used for colds, flu, swine flu, fever, chills, headache, inability to sweat, joint and bone pain, and as a "water pill" to increase urine flow in people who retain fluids.

Side Effects[edit]

Ephedra can cause severe life-threatening or disabling conditions in some people. Ephedra use is linked to high blood pressure, heart attacks, muscle disorders, seizures, strokes, irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness, and death. Ephedra can also cause less serious side effects including dizziness, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, heart pounding, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and others.

Legal Status[edit]

In 2004, the FDA banned the U.S. sale of dietary supplements containing ephedra because such supplements have a high risk of side effects. The ban does not apply to traditional Chinese herbal remedies or to products like herbal teas.