Article: Herbal Drug Ephedrine Takes Bashing after Death of Baltimore Orioles Pitcher.

By Sandra R. Billingsley, The Monitor, McAllen, Texas Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Feb. 19--McALLEN, Texas--Ephedrine, an herb often used by people wanting to lose weight, is taking a bashing in the court of public opinion.

The Food and Drug Administration has reported that more than 50 people have died while taking ephedra, also known as ma haung, and another 800 have reported adverse reactions.

The most recent death possibly associated with ephedrine use is Steve Bechler, a 23-year-old, overweight Baltimore Orioles pitching prospect.

Bechler, who died Monday, was taking the herb, said Dr. Joshua Perper, the Broward ...

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