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 Canadian
Medical Association Journal
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Ephedra and ephedrine (June 28, 2001) Plants of the genus Ephedra, which contain ephedrine alkaloids, are common ingredients in many herbal remedies and dietary supplements. They are also used in several nasal decongestants available as over-the-counter preparations. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued health warnings against the use of herbal remedies and food supplements containing Ephedra in 1996 and 1997. On June 14, Health Canada issued a similar warning. CMAJ commented on this compound in an editorial earlier this year. "Health Canada is warning consumers not to use products containing the herb Ephedra or ephedrine in combination with caffeine and other stimulants, for purposes of weight loss, body building or increased energy," the department states. A number of deaths have resulted from the use of compounds containing Ephedra; there have been 10 deaths in the US that were very likely due to the use of dietary supplements containing these compounds. In Canada, 60 adverse events related to Ephedra or ephedrine had been reported by last October; there were 2 deaths, both suicides, that "may or may not have been directly associated with the use of these products." —CMAJ
Copyright 2001 Canadian Medical Association or its licensors |
