Cardiac stimulant ephedra

III. Clinical presentation will depend on the toxic constituent of the herbal product, and may be acute in onset (for example, with the cardiac stimulant effects of ephedra or guarana) or delayed (as with Chinese herbal nephropathy due to Aristolochia fangchi). Allergic reactions to botanical products may manifest with skin rash, including urticaria, bronchospasm, or even anaphylaxis. 

Comprehensive reviews about the chemistry and pharmacology of ephedra and its use in sports and weight loss products have recently been published.The pharmacological effects of maHUANG are generally attributed to ephedrine, which include central nervous system (CNS) stimulation, peripheral vasoconstriction, elevation of blood pressure, bronchodilatation, cardiac stimulation, decrease of intestinal tone and motility, mydriasis, and tachycardia, among others (zhou). The central stimulant action of ephedrine appears to be mediated by /-adrenoceptors and not by dopamine receptors. ... 

Ephedra (Ephedra sinica)/Ma Huang Uses Stimulant, aid in wt loss, bronchial dilation Dose Not OK d/t reported deaths (>100 mg/d can be life-threatening). US sales banned by FDA in 2004 bitter orange w/ similar properties has replaced this compound in most wt loss supplements Caution Advise cardiac events, strokes, death SE Nervousness, HA, insomnia, palpitations, V, hypoglycemia Interactions Digoxin, antihypertensives, antidepressants, diabetic medications EMS Tinctures extracts contain EtOH may X glucose linked to several deaths behavioral mood changes... 

Ephedra, Ma-huang Diet aid stimulant bronchodilator Central nervous system toxicity, cardiac toxicity Avoid in patients at risk for stroke, myocardial infarction, uncontrolled blood pressure, seizures, general anxiety disorder... 

Ephedrine is the predominant alkaloid of ephedra plants. Other phenylalanine-derived alkaloids found in ephedra plants are (+)-pseudoephedrine, (—)-norephedrine, (-l-)-norpseudoephedrine, (l)-A-methylephedrine and phenylpropanolamines. Ephedrine is a potent central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. Because ephedra is both an a- and p-adrenergic agonist, ingestion of quantities over 50 mg lead to a rise in blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac output. 

Ginseng stimulates alertness and cardiac function. The stem of Chinese ephedra is a sudorific, and its roots can halt perspiration. Mint is considered, as in the West, cooling and comforting in nature, and is used to relieve colds and fevers. Often, the pharmacist selects a few ingredients that the patient is expected to process as food and boil into a soup. 

Ephedra (Ma-huang, sea grape, yellow horse) Bronchodilator, diet aid, CNS stimulant Hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, stroke, seizures... 

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