Ephedra

Ephedra as it relates to DILI in Health report: Genetics of Antibiotics-Induced Liver Injury

Ephedra, also known as ma huang, is a natural herbal supplement that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for its stimulant effects. It contains ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which are sympathomimetic agents that can stimulate the central nervous system and increase heart rate and blood pressure. In the context of Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI), ephedra has been associated with hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity refers to liver damage caused by chemicals or drugs. While the exact mechanism of how ephedra causes liver injury is not fully understood, it is believed that the stimulant effects of ephedra may lead to liver damage in susceptible individuals. Several case reports and studies have linked the use of ephedra-containing products to liver injury, ranging from mild liver enzyme elevations to severe liver failure requiring liver transplantation. The severity of liver injury can vary from person to person and may depend on factors such as the dose of ephedra consumed, individual susceptibility, and duration of use. Given the potential risk of liver injury associated with ephedra, it is important for individuals to be cautious when using products containing this herb. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before taking ephedra or any supplements, especially if you have a history of liver disease or are taking medications that may interact with ephedra. Summary:
  • Ephedra is a natural herbal supplement used for its stimulant effects.
  • In the context of DILI, ephedra has been associated with liver injury.
  • The exact mechanism of how ephedra causes liver damage is not fully understood.
  • Case reports and studies have linked ephedra to liver injury, ranging from mild enzyme elevations to severe liver failure.
  • Individuals should be cautious when using ephedra-containing products and consult with a healthcare provider.

Supplements for DILI

Here are some dietary supplements related to the content in this report. Click the shopping cart to purchase the supplement from our partners.

  1. Green tea extract

    Contains catechins which may increase oxidative stress and liver cell damage when combined with hepatotoxic antibiotics.

  2. Greater celandine

    Alkaloids like chelidonine may further impair liver function when the organ is under stress from antibiotics.

  3. Chaparral

    Nordamnacanthal is a quinone that could synergistically increase antibiotic liver toxicity through mitochondrial dysfunction.

  4. Germander

    Diterpenoids may amplify antibiotic liver injury by disrupting bile salt export and causing cholestasis.

  5. Mistletoe

    Contains toxic lectins which could worsen immunological reactions or alter detox pathways of antibiotic metabolites.

  6. Skullcap

    Flavonoids may inhibit pathways involved in hepatic metabolism and clearance of antibiotics from the liver.

  7. Valerian

    Isovaltrate and other constituents thought to directly damage cell membranes, potentially worsening antibiotic hepatocellular toxicity.

  8. Kava kava

    Kavalactones like desmethoxyyangonin may inhibit CYP450 liver enzymes important for antibiotic clearance.

  9. St. John's wort

    Hyperforin alters PXR nuclear receptors and could decrease bile acid transport, contributing to antibiotic cholestasis.

  10. Ginseng

    Ginsenosides may inhibit P-glycoprotein transporters important for antibiotic efflux from hepatocytes, allowing accumulation of toxic levels.

  11. Aloe vera

    Anthraquinone glycosides possibly damage cell membranes and worsen antibiotic-mediated liver cell necrosis.

  12. Ashwagandha

    Withanolides thought to cause oxidative stress which synergizes with redox-cycling antibiotic metabolites.

  13. Andrographis

    Diterpene lactones may reduce bile acid secretion and flow, contributing to cholestatic injury.

  14. Noni juice

    Anthraquinones could impair mitochondrial function and increase antibiotic hepatotoxicity.

  15. Peppermint oil

    Menthol interferes with CYP450s and UGTs involved in antibiotic metabolism and clearance.

  16. Kratom

    Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are metabolized in liver and could enhance antibiotic toxicity.

  17. Ephedra

    Ephedrine alkaloids may deplete glutathione and reduce the liver's defense against antibiotic oxidative damage.

It is essential to consult your healthcare provider before starting any of these supplements. They can have side effects, and some may interact with medications or other supplements you're already taking.
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