Background

Sida cordifolia is a shrub native to India that now grows worldwide. It's a common ingredient in herbal preparations in many systems of traditional medicine.

Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine, which is an amphetamine-like stimulant.

Despite serious safety concerns, people use Sida cordifolia for asthma, allergies, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, common cold, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine, which is an amphetamine-like stimulant that can cause harmful side effects. Since April 2004, the US FDA has banned the sale of ephedra, Sida cordifolia, and other products that contain ephedrine. Don't confuse Side cordifolia with Chinese Mallow, Mallow, or Marshmallow. These are not the same.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Sida cordifolia is likely unsafe. It contains ephedrine and is banned in the US due to safety concerns. Ephedrine has been linked to serious side effects including high blood pressure, heart attacks, loss of consciousness, and death.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Sida cordifolia is likely unsafe. Avoid use.

Anxiety: Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine. Large doses of ephedrine might cause or make anxiety worse. Do not use Sida cordifolia if you have anxiety.

Heart conditions: Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine, which can stimulate the heart. This might make chest pain and irregular heartbeat worse. Do not use Sida cordifolia if you have a heart condition.

Diabetes: Sida cordifolia might interfere with blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Do not use Sida cordifolia if you have diabetes.

A movement disorder called essential tremor: Sida cordifolia might make essential tremor worse due to its stimulant effects. Do not use Sida cordifolia if you have essential tremor.

High blood pressure: Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine, which can increase blood pressure. This might make high blood pressure worse. Do not use Sida cordifolia if you have high blood pressure.

Thyroid problems: Sida cordifolia might stimulate the thyroid and make thyroid problems worse. Do not use Sida cordifolia if you have a thyroid disorder.

Kidney stones: Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine. Ephedrine can cause kidney stones. Do not use Sida cordifolia if you have kidney stones.

Narrow-angle glaucoma: Sida cordifolia might make glaucoma worse by causing the pupils to dilate. Do not use Sida cordifolia if you have narrow-angle glaucoma.

A tumor on the adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma): Sida cordifolia might make the symptoms of pheochromocytoma worse. Do not use Sida cordifolia if you have pheochromocytoma.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

Despite being banned in the US, Sida cordifolia is still found in some dietary supplements. The active chemical in Sida cordifolia, ephedrine, can cause serious, life-threatening side effects.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Dexamethasone (Decadron)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Sida cordifolia might increase how quickly the body breaks down dexamethasone. This might decrease the effects of dexamethasone.

Ergot derivatives

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Sida cordifolia can increase blood pressure. Ergot derivatives can also increase blood pressure. Taking Sida cordifolia with ergot derivatives might increase blood pressure too much.

Medications for depression (MAOIs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Sida cordifolia contains chemicals that can increase blood pressure. Some medications used for depression can also increase blood pressure. Taking Sida cordifolia with these medications might increase blood pressure too much.
Some common MAOIs include phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Sida cordifolia might increase blood sugar levels. Taking Sida cordifolia along with diabetes medications might reduce the effects of these medications. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Medications that can cause an irregular heartbeat (QT interval-prolonging drugs)

Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.

Sida cordifolia might affect electrical currents in the heart. This can increase the risk of having an irregular heartbeat. Some medications can have this same effect. Taking Sida cordifolia with these medications might increase the risk for a serious heart issue.

Methylxanthines

Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.

Sida cordifolia can simulate the body. Methylxanthines also stimulate the body. Taking Sida cordifolia with methylxanthines might cause side effects such as jitteriness, nervousness, a fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, and anxiety.

Stimulant drugs

Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.

Stimulants, such as amphetamines and cocaine, speed up the nervous system. By speeding up the nervous system, stimulant medications can increase blood pressure and speed up the heartbeat. Sida cordifolia can also speed up the nervous system. Taking Sida cordifolia along with stimulant drugs might cause serious problems including increased heart rate and high blood pressure.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Caffeine-containing herbs and supplements: Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine, which can stimulate the body. Using Sida cordifolia with other stimulants, such as caffeine, might increase the risk of more serious side effects such as heart attack, stroke, and death. Examples of supplements that contain caffeine include black tea, coffee, green tea, guarana, and yerba mate.
Ergot: Using Sida cordifolia along with ergot might cause blood vessels to tighten. This could lead to high blood pressure.
Herbs and supplements that might cause an irregular heartbeat (QT interval-prolonging products): Sida cordifolia might affect electrical currents in the heart. This can increase the risk of having an irregular heartbeat. Taking Sida cordifolia with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk for a serious heart issue. Examples of supplements with this effect include bitter orange, ephedra, grapefruit, and iboga.

Interactions with foods

Avoid taking Sida cordifolia with foods and beverages that contain caffeine, such as coffee and tea. Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine. There are several reports of serious life-threatening side effects in people taking ephedrine-containing herbs together with caffeine.