title: Ephedra-containing dietary supplements in the US versus ephedra as a Chinese medicine.
abstract: Ephedra has been commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) without significant adverse effects. Ephedra-containing dietary supplements are widely used in the United States to promote weight reduction and energy enhancement. However, there are significant safety concerns regarding the use of ephedra-containing dietary supplements, especially when such use occurs by consumers without medical supervision. This article reviews and contrasts the usage of ephedra as a dietary supplement in the US against an herbal medication in TCM. The potential adverse effects of ephedra-containing dietary supplements are also reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research, Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Sangeeta R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Mehendale
authors.forename: Brent A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Bauer
authors.forename: Chun-Su
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Yuan
mesh_terms: D016907:Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D029790:Ephedra sinica; D006801:Humans; D008517:Phytotherapy; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal