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Ephedra Publisher



Bahramsoltani R1, 2 ; Tabatabaeimalazy O3, 4
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. PhytoPharmacology Interest Group (PPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: Encyclopedia of Toxicology# Fourth Edition: Volume 1-9 Published:2023


Abstract

Ephedra is a genus of plants, one species which known as Ma huang or Ephedra sinica (CASRN: 299-42-3, ephedrine; CASRN: 50-98-6, ephedrine hydrochloride CASRN: 134-72-5, ephedrine sulfate), the prime source of ephedrine alkaloids, including ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. It has been used for centuries to treat bronchoconstriction, due to their activity at β2-adrenergic receptors. Dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids were extensively used for aiding weight control and boosting sports performance and energy. Recently introduced into use in the US and Europe as a weight loss agent and aid in bodybuilding. Ma huang and Ephedra species containing ephedrine alkaloids have been shown multiple potentially severe adverse effects clinically apparent liver injury. Reports of over 100 deaths and 500 adverse effects associated with ephedrine-containing dietary supplements resulted in a complete ban of these products in 1997. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned the use of ephedra for over a decade. The toxicity may vary depending on composition of ephedrine. Ephedrine and its derivatives are adrenergic agonists and may produce severe hypertensive episodes. Large doses may give rise to giddiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, thirst, tachycardia, pruritus, precordial pain, palpitations, difficult urination, muscular weakness and tremors, restlessness, and insomnia. Overdose may produce paranoid psychosis, delusions, and hallucinations. Long-term exposure to respiratory irritants may result in disease of the airways, difficult breathing and related systemic problems. Asthma-like symptoms may continue months-years after exposure which known as reactive airways dysfunction syndrome. Generally, 125-800 and 50-1200mgkg−1 ranges are extremely toxic and fatal to mice and rats, respectively. Probable lethal dose in humans is 50mgkg−1. Caution is warranted prior to its use as a medication/nutritional supplement. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.