Page 71 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)

(Gymnosperm)
Ephedra

MaHuang

Ephedra is the dried young twigs of Ephedra sinica , E. equisetina, and other Ephedra species,
Family Ephedraceae (Gnetaceae).

Odour: aromatic when fresh only.

Taste: slightly bitter.

Macroscopic and Microscopic characters: (See the Practical)

Constituents:

1. Ephedra herb contains alkaloids (0.5- 2.5 %) of the phenyl alkyl amine group, mostly
composed of l- ephedrine (30-90 %), d-pseudo-ephedrine (iso-ephedrine), l-nor-ephedrine,
d-nor-pseudo-ephedrine (cathine).

2. Flavonoids, glycans (ephedrans), condensed tannins, and other constituents.

Action and Uses:

In oriental medicines and Commission E, Ephedra is the chief drug for the treatment of asthma and
bronchitis (cough sedative and bronchodilator).

Ephedra alkaloids and their salts (pseudo-ephedrine) are approved by the FDA as OTC drug
ingredients for common cold, flu, and allergies (nasal-decongestant).

Note that In 2004, the FDA has banned combinations of caffeine
and

herbal products containing ephedra for all uses outside of allergies, colds, and asthma.
Furthermore, many professional sports organizations banned the supplement for its
performance-enhancing effects.

65