Evidence against ephedra
found in weight-loss products. However, the study by US researchers
found that only high doses of the product were related with stroke
risk.
A new study backs evidence showing the dangers of the herb ephedra, found in weight-loss products. However, the study by US researchers found that only high doses of the product were related with stroke risk.
"Ephedra is not associated with increased risk for hemorrhagic stroke, except possibly at higher doses," they report.
The team found that those who took daily doses of more than 32 milligrams (mg) increased their risk of haemorrhagic stroke by more than three times.
The researchers from the University of Michigan studied around 700 haemorrhagic stroke patients and compared them with a control group which had not suffered a stroke.
While the industry maintains that ephedra is safe when used as directed, there have been several reports linking it to reports of death, heart attack, hypertension, stroke, and seizure. In the US the government continues to delay limiting the use of ephedra until it has results from ongoing studies of its safety. The study is published in the January issue of Neurology.
