Ephedrine: An Herbal Toxicological Hazard

Many individuals are currently using herbal products that are toxicologically unsafe due to inaccurate dosages and/or addition of harmful substances of which the consumer is unaware. This is primarily because the health supplement industry has failed to supply adequate research and regulation on its products. This paper makes a brief review of the general field of toxicology, but ultimately narrows its scope to an in-depth consideration of ephedrine, an ancient Chinese medicinal herb capable of concerted stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. Ephedrine use has resulted in negative reactions in a number of cases