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 Ma huang (ephedra) is a shrub found growing in deserts
throughout the world. The dried green stems of the three Asian
species (Ephedra sinica, E. intermedia, E. equisetina) are used
medicinally. The North American species of ephedra, sometimes called
Desert Tea or Mormon Tea, does not appear to contain the same active
ingredients of the Asian species.
Ma Huang, more commonly
know as ephedra, contains active ingredients called alkaloids; the
primary alkaloid is ephedrine. When ephedrine is produced
synthetically by humans, it is considered to be a drug; however, it
is not technically classified as a drug when derived naturally.
Ephedrine and some of the other alkaloids in ephedra are commonly
found in products for weight loss, as they help to stimulate the
central nervous system and increase metabolism. Some people using
ephedra have experienced small to moderate weight loss. Ephedra as a
weight loss supplement has not been substantiated.
While
ephedra is a popular weight loss supplement and performance
enhancer, due to the possibly severe side effects associated with
using ephedra, several athletic organizations, including the
International Olympic Committee (IOC), the U. S. National Football
League (NFL), and the National Collegiate Athletic Association
(NCAA) have prohibited its use among their athletes.
While it
has a tightening effect on blood vessels near the surface of the
skin, ephedrine also widens bronchioles, which are small airways in
the lungs. Consequently, ephedra has been used by some to relieve
stuffy nose and chest tightness caused by allergies and colds.
Ephedra was formerly used in drugs to treat asthma until more
effective and safer drugs were invented.
Precautions
and Side Effects
The FDA has been investigating
ephedra and ephedrine for several years. In 1983, they banned
over-the-counter medications containing both ephedrine and caffeine
due to reports of abuse.
Ephedra should not be used by anyone
with high blood pressure, heart problems, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism,
or diabetes. Ephedra can cause many side effects including dry
mouth, irregular heartbeat, sweating, and even death. It should only
be used with care.
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