Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Ephedra in perspective--a current review.

Ehab A Abourashed1, Abir T El-Alfy, Ikhlas A Khan

  • 1Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Phytotherapy Research : PTR
|August 14, 2003
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Inhibition of an endocannabinoid catabolizing enzyme is a potential mechanism for the anxiolytic effect of chamomile.

Journal of ethnopharmacology·2025
Same author

Cobenfy (xanomeline-trospium).

WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin·2025
Same author

Aduhelm (aducanumab-avwa) Controversy.

WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin·2024
Same author

Inpefa (sotagliflozin).

WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin·2024
Same author

Cannabidiol.

WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin·2023
Same author

Auvelity (dextromethorphan/bupropion).

WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin·2023

Ephedra, or ma huang, is controversial as a herbal supplement due to questions about its composition, effectiveness for weight loss or performance, and potential health risks. This review examines these issues and the US regulatory debate.

Area of Science:

  • Herbal Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Dietary Supplements

Background:

  • Ephedra (ma huang) has a long history of traditional use.
  • Its recent popularity as a dietary supplement in the US has sparked controversy.
  • Key concerns involve product identity, efficacy, and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on Ephedra.
  • To address controversies surrounding its use as a dietary supplement.
  • To examine traditional uses, chemistry, pharmacology, and health risks.

Main Methods:

  • Literature survey on Ephedra.
  • Analysis of Ephedra product composition (ephedrine alkaloids).
  • Review of pharmacological effects and reported health risks.

Related Experiment Videos

Main Results:

  • Ephedra products vary in ephedrine alkaloid content.
  • Evidence for weight loss and performance enhancement is debated.
  • Significant health risks, including cardiovascular events, are associated with Ephedra use, especially in sensitive individuals or with abuse.

Conclusions:

  • The use of Ephedra as a dietary supplement presents significant health concerns.
  • Regulatory actions in the US are a response to these safety issues.
  • Further research and careful consideration of risks versus benefits are warranted.