Ma Huang (Ephedrine) and Guarana (Caffeine) - The Merck Veterinary Manual

Ma Huang (Ephedrine) and Guarana (Caffeine)

Several herbal supplements, sold with the claim of providing weight loss and energy, contain guarana ( Paullinia cupana ), a natural source of caffeine, and ma huang ( Ephedra sinica ), a natural source of ephedrine. In humans, use of herbal supplements containing guarana and ma huang have been linked to acute hepatitis, nephrolithiasis, hypersensitivity myocarditis, and sudden death. In dogs, accidental ingestion of herbal supplements containing ma huang and guarana can have synergistic effects when ingested together and can lead to severe hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, vomiting, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and death within a few hours of exposure. The use of ephedra-containing supplements has recently been banned by the FDA. For treatment, see pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine and Ephedrine.