Can You Take L-Arginine and Ephedra Together?

Dose or timing may matter

The short answer

L-Arginine lowers blood pressure via nitric oxide while ephedra (Ma Huang) is a potent sympathomimetic that raises blood pressure. The opposing effects may cancel each other's cardiovascular benefits.

How to arrange timing

These have opposing cardiovascular effects. Consider your health goal before combining.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Haller CA, Benowitz NL. Adverse cardiovascular and central nervous system events associated with dietary supplements containing ephedra alkaloids. N Engl J Med. 2000;343(25):1833-1838

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.