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Diagram of T.S. of Lobelia Stem

Ephedra MaHuang

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

Constituents:

1. Ephedra herb contains alkaloids: 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 Ephedra is the chief drug for the treatment of asthma and bronchitis (cough
sedative and bronchodilator).

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

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