• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.23-29
• /
• 2007

Background : Mahuang (Ephedra sinica) has been used widely to treat respiratory disease in traditional medicine for over thousands years. Mahuang preparations contain approximately $0.75{\sim}1%$ ephedrine alkaloids. Recently in North America, the Eephedra alkaloids has aroused a controversy due to its adverse effects in those using whole extracts as "dietary supplements" for weight loss or athletic performance enhancement. Objective : To discuss the need for clinical practice guidelines on the use of Mahuang. Results and Conclusion : It is widely assumed that Mahuang is one of the useful medicines and is safe for human body. Most of scientific literatures support that the safety of Mahuang prescription in common dosage. However, it has been claimed that there were some warnings and apprehensions about the harmfulness of Mahuang as dietary supplements. This article does not negate the fact that it is necessary to pay more attention for use of Mahuang in clinical situations. We assert that the establishment of clinical practice guideline on the use of Mahuang, which is based on scientific materials and consensus, is required in traditional medicine.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.28 no.1 s.69
• /
• pp.105-116
• /
• 2007

Objectives : Mahuang (Ephedra sinica), well known as an herbal medicine in the East and West, contains a relatively high percentage of ephedrine known as sympathomimetic alkaloid. We investigated the effects of Mahuang on sympathetic nervous system with heart rate variety (HRV). Time and frequency domain analysis of HRV is a noninvasive technique capable of providing information on autonomic modulation of the sinus node. Methods : We investigated 57 healthy volunteers consisting of 37 subjects in the Mahuang group and 20 subjects in the placebo group. Study form was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. The 37 subjects in the Mahuang group took 3 Mahuang capsules (1 capsule equivalent to 2g herb Mahuang) twice a day at 10 a.m. and 2 p.,., while the 20 subjects in the placebo group took 3 placebo-capsules filled with glutinous rice powder at the same times. Mahuang medicine and placebo medicine were made into opaque capsules. We measured HRV at 3 p.m. 1 or 2 days before medication and at 3 p.m. after medication. Results : Mean-RR and SDNN of the Mahuang group significantly decreased compared with that of the placebo group, but the heart rate of the Mahuang group significantly increased compared with the placebo. HRV-Index, RMSSD and SDSD of the Mahuang group significantly decreased compared with that of the placebo group, but PNN50 of the Mahuang group significantly increased compared with placebo. Ln(TP), Ln(VLF), Ln(LF) and Ln(HF) of the Mahuang group significantly decreased compared with those of the placebo group. There were no significant differences in normalized LF, normalized HF and LF/HF ratio between the Mahuang and placebo groups. Conclusion : The results suggest that Mahuang in healthy adults tends to reduce the autonomic nervous system within the normal range.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.38 no.3
• /
• pp.170-184
• /
• 2017

Objectives: The objective of this study was to summarize randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that have assessed efficacy and safety of mahuang and ephedrine on treatment of obesity and to propose better process of study. Methods: NLM Medline (pubmed), the Cochrane library, Scopus, Science Direct, RISS, KISS were systemically searched for clinical trials investigating the efficacy, safety of mahuang and ephedrine on treatment of obesity from 2000 to 2017. Results: 16 RCTs met all the inclusion criteria. In most reports, mahuang and ephedrine significantly reduced body weight, body fat mass. There were no serious adverse events associated with mahuang and ephedrine in all studies. Conclusions: In appropriate dose of mahuang and ephedrine for healthy adult was safe, and weight loss effect of mahuang and ephedrine was better than control group. Improved clinical practice guidelines should be developed for safe use of mahuang and ephedrine.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.106-114
• /
• 2007

Background : Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba, Ephedra sinica $S_{TAPE}$) has been widely used to treat respiratory disease in Asian over the past thousand years. The main ingredient of Mahuang is ephedrine, whose affects on the autonomic nervous system induce some adverse effects like vasoconstriction, hypertension, tachycardia, miosis, insomnia, dizziness, headache, etc. Although there were lots of reports about adverse effects of Mahuang, there were no clinical studies which evaluated the adverse effects of Mahuang on the autonomic nervous system by objective numerical value in the past decade. Objectives : The purpose of this report was to provide an objective assessment of state-trait anxiety that is caused by Mahuang, and to identify anxiety of Mahuang according to different Sasang constitution classifications. Methods : The study design was a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. The subjects of this study were 79 adults aged between 20 to 40 who agreed to participate. Because 8 adults dropped out, a total of 71 subjects entered the study. They were allocated through randomization to a Mahuang group (N=50) and placebo group (N=21). Each group took three opaque capsules (every opaque capsule containing 2g of Mahuang or none) twice a day. To compare the state and trait anxiety before and after taking Mahuang, we checked the anxiety by using STAI-KYZ. Results : The following results were obtained. Short-term administration of Mahuang significantly increased state-anxiety, but in the placebo group, there were no significant changes in state-anxiety. In the Mahuang group except females, there was more significant increase in state-anxiety of Soeumin than Soyangin and Taeumin in the 2nd measurement. Conclusion : It is suggested that the ingestion of Mahuang can increase sympathetic activity and induce anxiety. There was a significant difference among Sasang constitution classification. Especially, the response is stronger in Soeumin than other constitutions. If we use Mahuang according to the Sasang constitution classification in clinic, we could not only minimize the anxiety but maximize the potential curative value.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.28 no.1 s.69
• /
• pp.63-71
• /
• 2007

Objectives : To provide an objective assessment of the effectiveness for weight loss of Mahuang. Methods : Effects were assessed by measuring changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat (kg, %),body muscle, and abdominal f3t ratio. The subjects of this study were healthy adults who agreed to participate in this study. Eligibility requirements include age between 20 and 50 and BMI more than 18.5 kg/m2. One hundred subjects were randomly assigned to two groups (control and Mahuang group) in a double-blind manner. Mahuang group subjects took 8g of Mahuang capsule/day for two weeks; control subjects took the same amount of indistinguishable placebo. We analyzed the body weight, body mass index, body fat, abdominal fat, body muscle and BMR (basal metabolic rate) before and after the study. Result After two weeks of clinical trial, body weight and BMI decreased in both groups, but the Mahuang group showed more significant decrease. On body fat, the Mahuang group showed significant decrease. while it increased in the placebo group. Although body muscle, body fat ratio and basic metabolic rate showed differences between the two groups, there was no statistical significance. Conclusion : It is suggested that intake of Mahuang may induce weight loss and body f3f decrease in healthy adults.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.293-299
• /
• 2007

1. Objectives The main ingredient of ephedra is ephedrine which affects on autonomic nervous system induce some adverse effects just like vasoconstriction, hypertension, tachycardia, miosis, insomnia, dizziness, headache, and etc. and heart disease. If we use Mahuang according to the Sasang constitution classification in clinic, we could not only may minimize the anxiety but maximize the potential curative value in Asthma Treatment. 2. Methods On a day three times in Mahangjungchentang taken patients who with Ventricular septal defect in the aftermath of the RBBB. We are observed that the main symptoms of change, vital sign, sleep, stool, urine, heart disease. 3. Results Teaumin with asthma, the effect of Mahuang, and the side effects are fewer. The individual effects of herbs are important. but Sasang constitutional effects are important too. 4 Conclusions Mahuang can increase heart disease. But there was a difference among Sasang constitution classification. This has no side effects from Teaumin than other constitutions. If we use Mahuang according to the Sasang constitution classification in clinic. We have an excellent effect on the treatment of asthma.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.95-104
• /
• 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze the adverse events and safety of Mahuang used as anti-obesity treatment in Korean medicine. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, KoreaMed, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS) and SCIENCE-ON were used as searching for randomized controlled trials investigating the safety of Mahuang for treating obesity from January, 2000 to July, 2021. Results: Total 6 studies were included for analyzing. In most studies, heart rate was higher in experimental group than in placebo group with statistically significant difference. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure had no significant differences between both groups, but systolic blood pressure got lower in experimental group. Most adverse events reported in experimental group were dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, palpitation and insomnia, but serious adverse events were not reported. Conclusions: This study provides the evidence about the safety of Mahuang for treating obesity. However, increase of heart rate and minor adverse events could be occurred. Further study is needed to confirm the safety of Mahuang.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.26 no.5
• /
• pp.77-83
• /
• 2009

Objectives : We investigated the effects of Mahuang-Chuanwu Pharmacopuncture Treatment in Obese Patients by analysing Body mass index(BMI), waist measurement and weight. Methods : We investigated on 52 volunteers consisted of 24 subjects in experiment(Mahuang-Chuanwu Pharmacopuncture) group and 28 subjects in control(Normal Saline) group. The Study form was a single-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial. 24 subjects in experiment group were injected Mahuang-Chuanwu Pharmacopuncture with additional common treatment and 28 subjects in control group were injected Normal Saline with additional common treatment with Dietic Theraphy and Exercise. We measured BMI, waist measurement and weight on 3 times : before 1st session, after first 5 sessions, and after 10 sessions. The SPSS 13.0 for Windows was used to analyze the data and the wilcoxon signed ranks test (in group), mann Whitney u t-test(between two groups) and ${\chi}^2$-test(description of number) were used to verify the result. Results : In experiment group. BMI, waist measurement and weight were significantly low at the period of after first 5 sessions and after 10 sessions. In control group, BMI, waist measurement and weight were significantly low at the period of after 10 sessions but weren't significantly low at the period of after first 5 sessions. The changes of BMI, waist measurement and weight in experiment group were significantly more than that in control group. Conclusions : The Results suggest that Mahuang(Ephedra sinica Stapf)-Chuanwu(Aconitum carmichaeli Debx) Pharmacopuncture is effective on the treatment of obesity, compared to Normal Saline.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
• /
• v.37 no.1
• /
• pp.1-24
• /
• 2024

Objectives : The objective of this study is to compare the properties of Mahuang and Shigao based on their similar effects and how they are manifested in formulas that include these medicinals. Methods : Descriptions of Mahuang and Shigao as written in the Shennongbencaojing, Mingyibielu, Bencaogangmu, Benjingshuzheng were analyzed to determine their similar traits. Formulas in which these medicinals were both used for their similar effects were analyzed. Results & Conclusions : Mahuang and Shigao, through their interaction, both communicate fluids, relieve stagnation, and draw out heat or Yang qi from the Yin part. These similarities influence each other, which is related to their common meridian tropism, the Lung Channel, to diffuse, purify and descend. The ten formulas that include the two medicinals were similar in that Yin and Yang were interactive. Of these, those that relieved stagnation were Maxingganshitang and Daqinglongtang. Those which communicated fluids and relieved stagnation were Yuebitang, Yuebijiabanxiatang, Yuebijiashutang, Xiaoqinglongjiashigaotang, Houpumahuangtang, and Wengetang. Those that drew out heat or Yang qi from the Yin part through interaction between Yin and Yang were Guizhieryuebiyitang and Mahuangshengmatang. Previous studies stated that Mahuang and Shigao are different and using both medicinals in the same formula would repress each other or balance each other out-this study focused on their common properties which resulted in the above-mentioned findings.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
• /
• v.9 no.3 s.21
• /
• pp.89-95
• /
• 2006

Objectives : This study is to research if any acupucture points are more effective, when Mahuang-chuanwu herbal acupucture is applied to the theatment of obesity. Methods : We searched oriental medical literatures and papers. Results : 1. Mahuang-chuanwu Herbal Acupuncture consists of distilled water of Ma-hunag and Chuan-wu, and it has the following effects : channel-warming, cold-dispering and eliminating damp. therefore it is applied to the treatment of obesity. 2. The acupuncture points, which have effects of channel-warming, cold-dispering and eliminating damp, are six : Kwanwon(Cv4), Kihae(CV6), Changmun(Liv13), Chok-samni(St36), Chung-wan(Cv12), Chonchu(St25). And Kwanwon(Cv4), Kihae(CV6), Changmun(Liv13), Chung-wan(Cv12), Chonchu(St25) locate on the abdomen. 3. Morbidly obese people, especially those in which their bellies are very large, are so because often the binding properties of the Taemaek(G26) have weakend. therefore Taemaek(G26) will be more effecive than Changmun(Liv13) that locate on right below the free end of the 11th rib, at the lateral side of the chest. 4. Mahuang-chuanwu Herbal Acupuncture will be most effective on the treatment of obesity with cold and damp as additional treatment, when it is injected into Kwanwon(Cv4), Kihae(CV6), Chonchu(St25), Taemaek(G26).