Possible case of mania associated with ma-huang

Several commercially available weight-loss supplements contain ma-huang, an herb derived from Ephedra sinica. Previous reports have raised awareness that ma-huang supplements may precipitate symptoms consistent with mania in susceptible individuals. A 21-year-old woman required psychiatric hospitalization as a result of acute manic symptoms with psychosis. The emergence of her symptoms coincided with her use of two supplements containing ma-huang. Consumers need to be educated about the potential adverse psychiatric effects of ma-huang in order to make well-informed decisions before using such supplements. A preexisting psychiatric disorder may also increase susceptibility to these adverse effects.