[Ma Huang, from dietary supplement to abuse]

Author: Arditti J, Bourdon JH, Spadari M, de Haro L, Richard N, Valli M

Author affiliation: Hopital Salvator, Laboratoire de Toxicologie Centre antipoison 249 boulevard de Sainte Marguerite-13009 Marseille.

Publication date & source: 2002, Acta Clin Belg Suppl., (1):34-6.

Publication type: English Abstract; Review

Dietary supplements containing Ma Huang (chinease ephedra) are available on the web sites and dietary shops in USA. They are widely promoted and used as a mean of weight reduction and energy enhancement. They contain Ma Huang alone or combined with Guarana (caffeine), creatine, St John's wort, carnitine and are proposed with different labels. Numerous reports of adverse reactions and acute intoxication related to these products use were described in the medical literature. In the light of the severity of these cases, some of which resulted in permanent injury and death, the Food and Drug Administration has proposed limits on the dose and duration of use of such supplements. A review of 140 reports submitted to the FDA between June 1997 and March 1999, 47% involved cardiovascular symptoms, 18% neurological symptoms. Severe hypertension was the single most frequent adverse effect followed by tachycardia, myocardial infarction, stroke, seizure. Ten events resulted in death and 13 produced permanent impairment. In France, ampleness of the use of dietary supplements containing ephedra alkaloids is unknown. Two French recent severe poisonings (one with "ripped Fuel" for losing weight and the other with "Energy pills" in a body builder) show that there is serious health risks for the chronic users. Dietary supplements are not subject to control under "la Direction Generale de la Sante". Informations for general public, medical community and health-care authorities are necessary to be aware of potential health hazards of these products use.