Is Ephedra safe?

Introduction

Ephedra, also known as ma huang, is a herb that has been traditionally used for respiratory diseases and has more recently been included in dietary supplements for weight loss and energy enhancement. Its safety has been a subject of debate due to reported adverse effects.

Key Insights from Research Papers

Ephedra is associated with a significantly higher risk of adverse effects compared to other herbs, with products containing ephedra accounting for 64% of all adverse effects reported from herbal products, despite representing less than 1% of herbal product sales.
The relative risk for an adverse effect from ephedra is substantially higher than that from other commonly used herbs, such as kava and Ginkgo biloba.
Despite some evidence of weight loss benefits, ephedra and ephedrine have been linked to serious side effects, including psychiatric symptoms, autonomic hyperactivity, palpitations, gastrointestinal symptoms, and headache.
The use of ephedra as an ergogenic aid for athletic performance is not supported by most scientific data, and the risks associated with its use outweigh any potential benefits.
A dietary supplement containing a low dose of ephedra and caffeine was found to be safe and effective under physician supervision, suggesting that controlled use may mitigate some risks.
The majority of nonclinical and clinical studies, as well as historical use, support the safety of ephedra at proposed use levels, but reports of adverse events submitted to the FDA raise concerns about the risk associated with ephedra.
Regulatory actions have been taken due to public health concerns, with the FDA issuing alerts and proposing regulations to restrict access to ephedra-containing products .

Conclusion

The research indicates that ephedra is associated with a higher risk of adverse effects compared to other herbal products. While there is evidence of weight loss benefits, the potential for serious side effects, particularly when used without medical supervision, raises significant safety concerns. Regulatory bodies have taken steps to limit the availability of ephedra due to these risks.

Try another search

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?

How is yellow fever treated?

How much Kava kava should I take daily?

What are the ethics of using AI in judicial decision-making?

What are the implications of scientific revolutions for the philosophy of science?

How much Grapefruit Seed Extract should I take daily?

Summary

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights from Research Papers

Conclusion

Sources and full results

The Relative Safety of Ephedra Compared with Other Herbal Products

Ephedra-containing dietary supplements have a significantly higher risk of adverse effects compared to other herbs, with a relative risk of 100 compared to kava and 720 compared to Ginkgo biloba.

Ephedra and its application to sport performance: another concern for the athletic trainer?

Ephedra, also known as ma huang, has a reputation as an ergogenic supplement, but its safety and efficacy are questionable, with numerous side effects outweighing potential benefits.

Multinutrient supplement containing ephedra and caffeine causes weight loss and improves metabolic risk factors in obese women: a randomized controlled trial

A low-dose ephedra/caffeine supplement is safe and effective in causing weight loss and improving metabolic parameters in overweight/obese premenopausal women under physician supervision.

Safety of ephedra: lessons learned.

The safety of ephedra at proposed use levels is supported by majority of published studies and history, but adverse event reports raise concerns without establishing a direct causal relationship.

Efficacy and Safety of Ephedra and Ephedrine for Weight Loss and Athletic Performance

Ephedrine and ephedra with caffeine are more effective than placebo for weight loss, but may increase the risk of psychiatric symptoms, autonomic hyperactivity, heart palpitations, and headaches.

American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics position statement on the public health risks of ephedra

Ephedra is associated with serious cardiovascular and central nervous system toxicity, leading to death and disability, and the ASCPT strongly supports the need for stricter regulations and warning labels on ephedra-containing dietary supplements.

FDA issues alert on ephedra supplements in the USA

The FDA plans to ban the sale of ephedra-containing dietary supplements in the USA, due to concerns about their safety and potential for heart attacks and strokes.

The Relative Safety of Ephedra Compared with Other Herbal Products

Ephedra is 3.9 times more likely to cause death than kava, with a mortality rate of 0.000757% compared to 0.002976% for kava.

Ephedra Is Associated with More Adverse Effects than Other Herbs

Ephedra is associated with a greatly increased risk for adverse effects compared to other commonly used herbal products.

Ephedra-Free Is Not Danger-Free

Ephedra-free supplements may still contain dangerous ingredients, such as caffeine and nicotine, and should be banned by the FDA.

Try another search