Ephedra and
ma huang increase metabolism and can lead to serious cardiovascular events.
According to a wonderful book, Evidence-Based Herbal Medicine by Michael Rotblatt, MD, PharmD, and Irwin Ziment, MD, FRCP (Hanley and Belfus, 2001), ephedra, or
ma huang, is the herbal source of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.
Ma Huang, a shrub-like plant from Asia and North America, is said to alleviate many of the cold-like symptoms of hayfever and Nettle leaf and Eyebright help with sore throats.
Ephedra, also known as
ma huang, stimulates the sympathomimetic and central nervous systems and suppresses appetite.
Both were taking a nutritional supplement containing a combination of herbs
Ma Huang and Guarana.
But Air Force surgeon general officials strongly advise airmen to contact their physicians or health care providers before taking dietary supplements that contain
Ma Huang, ephedra or ephedra alkaloids.
Ephedra (also called
ma huang) is a stimulant banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
For instance, the herb
Ma Huang (ephedra) is traditionally used in China to treat short-term respiratory congestion.
Energy-boosting drinks may contain
Ma Huang or guarana; both act as a stimulant and may increase heart rate and blood pressure.
"One of the ingredients was country mallow, which is a derivative of
Ma Huang, which is Chinese ephedra, known in English-speaking countries as ephedrine.
He believes the government has no more right to restrict Americans' access to vitamin A or the herbal
ma huang than to McDonald's french fries.