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 alpha- and beta-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.

中文翻译：

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麻黄生物碱对心血管的影响：全面综述。

在使用全提取物作为减肥或提高运动成绩的“膳食补充剂”的那些人中，麻黄生物碱最近因报道的不良事件而备受关注。鉴于公众越来越多地使用这些补品，这些报告令人不安。我们回顾了有关这些化合物的可用文献以及在线材料，包括有关其药理学，调节，对减肥和运动成绩的影响以及不良事件的信息。麻黄灌木提取物含有对心脏和血管系统有深远影响的高活性α-和β-肾上腺素能激动剂。其有效性的证据有限。心血管和脑血管不良反应，包括中风，心肌梗塞和猝死，与它们的使用在时间上相关的描述得很好。美国食品和药物管理局最近对这些化合物的禁令还不够广泛。麻黄增补剂包含高度生物活性的一类化合物，在当前的法规框架下，这对公众构成重大风险。需要监管机构进行更严格的监督，以最大程度地减少不良事件的发生。