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.
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