Ephedra in perspective--a current review.
Although the traditional use of Ephedra 'ma huang' has been established for thousands of years, its resurgence in the US as a herbal dietary supplement is currently a matter of national controversy. At the heart of the debate are three important questions: (1) the identity and composition of Ephedra products with regard to ephedrine and related alkaloids; (2) the potential therapeutic utility of Ephedra supplements for weight loss or performance enhancement; and (3) potential health risks associated with such uses of Ephedra, particularly in sensitive individuals or in cases of intentional abuse for its stimulant properties. This review surveys the literature on Ephedra with regard to traditional uses, botany, chemistry, analytics, pharmacological effects and health risks. A brief discussion of the central issues in the current debate on the regulation of Ephedra in the United States is included as this is where most of the problems have occurred to date.
Abourashed
Ehab A
EA
Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
El-Alfy
Abir T
AT
Khan
Ikhlas A
IA
Walker
Larry
L
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D029789:Ephedra; D004809:Ephedrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D035261:Plant Components, Aerial; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D010936:Plant Extracts; D004809:Ephedrine