Traditional Uses

• Asthma
• Hay fever
• Common cold
• Circulatory stimulant
• Weight loss

Mode of Action

• Ma Huang, a member of the genus Ephedra is a source of the powerful drug ephedrine which is related to noradrenalin but;
  • is weaker in effect
  • may be taken orally
  • has a longer duration of action
  • has more pronounced effects on the central nervous system
• Increases blood flow to the heart, brain and muscles while decreasing flow to the kidney and intestine

Drug Interactions

• Do not use if you are taking one of the antidepressants known as MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
• The combined action of ma huang and isoproterenol may lead to cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm)
• When taken with coffee or ASA, you may experience increased body temperature

Cautions

• Do not take if suffering from
  • Angina (exercise induced heart pain)
  • Glaucoma (increase pressure in the eye)
  • High blood pressure
  • Enlarged prostate gland
  • Overactive thyroid
  • Narrow angle glaucoma
  • Diabetes
• Avoid during pregnancy /breast feeding
• Reported side effects are insomnia, headaches, tremors, irritability, palpitations, urinary difficulties
• Use only on a short-term duration.
• Abuse can produce long-lasting side effects

Recommended Dose

• 125-250 mg three times a day. (Dose may vary from brand to brand)

References

• Blumenthal, 1998; Chevallier, 1996; Lu, 1994; Murray, M., 1995; Nutriceutica, 1998