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Related Experiment Videos

Ma-huang strikes again: ephedrine nephrolithiasis

T Powell1, F F Hsu, J Turk

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.

American Journal of Kidney Diseases : the Official Journal of the National Kidney Foundation
|July 21, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Ephedrine, found in Ma-Huang extract, can cause kidney stones (ephedrine nephrolithiasis). This previously unreported toxicity is common in patients using ephedrine-containing supplements.

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Nephrology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Ephedrine alkaloids, derived from evergreens, possess alpha and beta catecholamine effects.
  • The alternative medicine industry widely uses ephedrine for various health applications, including weight loss and energy enhancement.
  • Concerns regarding unsupervised ephedrine use and its associated dangers, including fatalities, have prompted FDA review.

Observation:

  • A novel toxicity, ephedrine nephrolithiasis, was identified in a patient consuming an energy supplement containing ephedrine (Ma-Huang extract).
  • Analysis of the Louis C. Herring and Company kidney stone database revealed numerous prior instances of ephedrine-related kidney stones.

Findings:

  • Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry confirmed ephedrine, norephedrine, and pseudoephedrine as components of the patient's kidney stone.

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  • Similar chemical compositions were identified in other kidney stones from the Louis Herring database.

    • Implications:

    • Ephedrine nephrolithiasis represents a significant, previously unrecognized complication of ephedrine-containing products.
    • This finding underscores the potential risks associated with ephedrine use in dietary supplements and alternative medicine.
    • Further research and regulatory scrutiny are warranted to ensure consumer safety regarding ephedrine-based products.