Consumers Must Read Herbal Supplement Labels

Supplements containing ephedrine, an extract of the herb ephedra, which is often marketed as a way to shed pounds and boost energy levels, could cause health problems if consumers neglect to carefully read labels.

"Ephedrine can affect the cardiovascular system, including blood pressure and heart rate, therefore, anyone with heart disease, high blood pressure or neurologic disorders should not use ephedrine supplements. The stimulant could cause heart attack, stroke, seizure or death," said Dr. Rebecca Reeves, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine and an assistant director of the Behavioral Medicine Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine.

Ephedra, also known as Ma Haung, Sida cordifolia or epitonin, is a powerful herb that has been used in Chinese medicine for years and is a common ingredient found in herbal preparations for weight loss. It also is found in products that treat asthma, colds and allergies, and enhance athletic performance.

Ephedra has an additive effect on the nervous system when used in conjunction with caffeine, decongestants, aspirin and other central nervous system stimulants.

Consumers need to be aware that the Food and Drug Administration is not required to review and approve herbal supplements' ingredients before these products are marketed. The only legal requirement in the sale of these products is that they not be promoted as preventing or treating disease.

"There are no well-designed tests which address safety measures when taking these supplements, and we are unsure of the kinds of long-term health conditions which could result," Dr. Reeves said.

The FDA's current recommendation is no more than 8 milligrams of total ephedra alkaloids per dose and less than 24 milligrams recommended total per day. The problem, however, with these recommendations, is that varying amounts exist in supplements, therefore, even when following label instructions, consumers might be exceeding the recommended dosage.

"If the suggested dosage is beyond what the FDA recommends, and most are, consumers must look carefully at the amount of ephedrine in each pill, and consult their physician to determine how many pills should be taken in a 24-hour period. This will ensure safety and prevent having the compound react with prescription medications," Dr. Reeves said.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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