TY - JOUR
T1 - Cardiovascular effects of Ephedra alkaloids
T2 - A comprehensive review
AU - Andraws, Richard
AU - Chawla, Preety
AU - Brown, David L.
PY - 2005/1
Y1 - 2005/1
N2 - The Ephedra alkaloids have received much press lately secondary to reported adverse events in those using whole extracts as "dietary supplements" for weight loss or athletic performance enhancement. These reports are troubling given the increasing use of these supplements by the general public. We reviewed the available literature as well as online material on these compounds, including information on their pharmacology, regulation, effects on weight loss and athletic performance, and adverse events. Extracts of Ephedra shrubs contain highly active α- and β-adrenergic agonists that have profound effects on the heart and vasculature. Evidence for their effectiveness is limited. Adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects, including stroke, myocardial infarction, and sudden death, temporally related to their use are well described. The recent Food and Drug Administration ban on these compounds is not broad enough. Ephedra supplements contain a highly bioactive class of compounds that pose a significant risk to the public under the current regulatory framework. More stringent oversight by regulatory authorities is required to minimize the incidence of adverse events.
AB - The Ephedra alkaloids have received much press lately secondary to reported adverse events in those using whole extracts as "dietary supplements" for weight loss or athletic performance enhancement. These reports are troubling given the increasing use of these supplements by the general public. We reviewed the available literature as well as online material on these compounds, including information on their pharmacology, regulation, effects on weight loss and athletic performance, and adverse events. Extracts of Ephedra shrubs contain highly active α- and β-adrenergic agonists that have profound effects on the heart and vasculature. Evidence for their effectiveness is limited. Adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects, including stroke, myocardial infarction, and sudden death, temporally related to their use are well described. The recent Food and Drug Administration ban on these compounds is not broad enough. Ephedra supplements contain a highly bioactive class of compounds that pose a significant risk to the public under the current regulatory framework. More stringent oversight by regulatory authorities is required to minimize the incidence of adverse events.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=20744433854&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.pcad.2004.07.006
DO - 10.1016/j.pcad.2004.07.006
M3 - Review article
C2 - 15991150
AN - SCOPUS:20744433854
SN - 0033-0620
VL - 47
SP - 217
EP - 225
JO - Progress in cardiovascular diseases
JF - Progress in cardiovascular diseases
IS - 4
ER -