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Ephedra viridis

Also known as: Green ephedra, Mormon tea, green Mormon tea, Ephedra viridis

Overview

Ephedra viridis, also known as Green ephedra or Mormon tea, is a species of the Ephedra genus native to arid and semiarid regions of the western United States. Traditionally, Native American populations have used it as an herbal remedy, often brewed as a tea, for respiratory ailments such as asthma, colds, and coughs. Unlike some Asian Ephedra species (e.g., Ephedra sinica) which are known for their high content of ephedrine-type alkaloids, E. viridis reportedly contains little to no ephedrine alkaloids. This distinction is crucial as most clinical data on ephedra supplements, particularly concerning stimulant and weight loss effects, are derived from ephedrine-rich species or extracts. Research specifically on E. viridis is limited, suggesting its traditional uses may stem from other phytochemicals rather than ephedrine.

Benefits

The primary documented benefits of ephedra-containing supplements, largely from Ephedra sinica, include weight loss and bronchodilation due attributed to ephedrine alkaloids. A meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on ephedra-containing oral medications demonstrated statistically significant reductions in BMI (mean difference ~1.5 kg/m²), body weight, and waist circumference in overweight/obese adults, with a dose-response relationship to ephedrine content. However, E. viridis itself is traditionally used for respiratory conditions, but high-quality clinical trials specific to this species are lacking. Due to its lower alkaloid content, significant weight loss or stimulant effects are unlikely. Some Ephedra species extracts have shown anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects in vitro and in animal models, but these findings have not been robustly confirmed in human studies for E. viridis.

How it works

The pharmacological activity of ephedra supplements, particularly those from Ephedra sinica, is primarily attributed to ephedrine and related alkaloids. These compounds act as sympathomimetic agents, stimulating alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors. This stimulation leads to physiological responses such as increased heart rate, bronchodilation (widening of airways), and thermogenesis (heat production), which can contribute to weight loss. However, Ephedra viridis contains significantly lower levels of ephedrine alkaloids. Therefore, its traditional medicinal effects, if any, may rely on other phytochemicals like phenolic compounds, which are not yet well characterized. The absorption of ephedrine from crude herbal preparations is generally slower compared to pure ephedrine formulations.

Side effects

Ephedra supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids have been strongly associated with significant adverse cardiovascular events, including hypertension (high blood pressure), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), stroke, and even death, particularly at doses exceeding 32 mg/day of ephedrine. These severe risks led to a ban on ephedra dietary supplements in the United States. While a meta-analysis found no significant difference in adverse events between ephedra and placebo groups when ephedrine doses were within FDA limits (≤150 mg/day under medical supervision), caution is still strongly advised due to the narrow therapeutic window and potential for misuse. Specific safety data on Ephedra viridis are sparse; however, given its significantly lower alkaloid content, it is hypothesized to have a more favorable safety profile, though this remains unconfirmed by robust clinical trials. Drug interactions include potentiation of other stimulants, hypertensive agents, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Contraindications for ephedrine-containing products include pre-existing cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, prostate enlargement, anxiety disorders, and pregnancy.

Dosage

There is no standardized or clinically established dosing for Ephedra viridis due to a lack of specific research. For ephedra supplements generally, effective weight loss doses correspond to an ephedrine alkaloid content of 20-32 mg/day, with a maximum safe dose considered to be 150 mg/day when under strict medical supervision. The pharmacokinetics of ephedrine from crude ephedra preparations show slower absorption compared to pure ephedrine, with peak plasma levels typically occurring around 140-150 minutes post-ingestion. Given the significant regulatory restrictions and severe safety concerns associated with ephedrine-containing ephedra products, any use of such supplements should be strictly medically supervised. Due to its low ephedrine content, E. viridis is unlikely to provide the same stimulant or weight loss effects as other Ephedra species, and its traditional uses lack modern dosage guidelines.

FAQs

Is Ephedra viridis effective for weight loss?

It is unlikely to be significantly effective for weight loss due to its very low ephedrine alkaloid content compared to other Ephedra species known for stimulant effects.

Is Ephedra viridis safe to use?

Specific safety data are limited. While likely safer than ephedrine-rich species, caution is warranted, and its safety profile is not well-established by clinical trials.

Can Ephedra viridis be used for asthma or colds?

It has traditional uses for respiratory conditions, but high-quality clinical evidence to support its efficacy for asthma or colds is currently lacking.

Why are ephedra supplements banned in the US?

Ephedra supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids were banned due to significant cardiovascular risks, including heart attack and stroke, associated with these compounds.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC11557485 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 RCTs found that ephedra-containing medications significantly reduced BMI, body weight, and waist circumference in overweight/obese adults. It also noted no significant increase in adverse events within FDA dosing limits, suggesting efficacy for weight loss with a dose-response relationship to ephedrine content.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1397247/full – This source, likely the full text of the meta-analysis mentioned, confirms the dose-response relationship between ephedrine dosage and weight loss. It also supports the finding that within regulated doses, there was no significant safety signal for adverse events, although caution is still advised.
https://www.drugs.com/npp/ephedra.html – This review summarizes the pharmacology and clinical data on ephedra, highlighting Ephedra sinica as the main source of ephedrine. It notes slower absorption from crude herb preparations and emphasizes safety concerns at ephedrine doses exceeding 32 mg/day, providing a general overview of ephedra's properties and risks.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7397145/ – This narrative review of the Ephedra genus indicates that American species like E. viridis contain low levels of ephedrine alkaloids. It discusses traditional uses, including for respiratory ailments, and suggests the potential for other bioactive compounds, while noting the lack of clinical trials on American species.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/shrub/ephvir/all.html – This source provides general information about Ephedra viridis, including its common names, habitat, and traditional uses. It serves as a foundational reference for the plant's botanical and ethnobotanical context, supporting the understanding of its historical applications.