Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang) 93

Family: Ephedraceae

Part Used: stems of branches (root has opposite effects)

Active Constituents:

Alkaloids (Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine)

Medicinal Actions:

Alpha and beta adrenergic agonist, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-tussive, bronchodilator, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant

Medicinal Uses:

1)Ephedra has many uses. It is most well known as a bronchodilator used to treat mild to moderate asthma, both in acute and chronic forms.

2) It is also used to reduce the symptoms of hay fever, allergies, sinus congestion and other presentations of upper respiratory inflammation.

3)The peak effect as a bronchodilator occurs about an hour after ingestion and lasts around five hours.

It is a strong central nervous system stimulant.

4)It increases the metabolic rate and helps reduce the amount of adipose tissue. This effect is enhanced when taken with aspirin and caffeine due to potentiation of the action of Ephedra.

5) It enhances the release of norepinephrine so can enhance energy and reduce appetite. It is a vasodilator and can increase blood pressure.

6)Rely on cytochrome P450 thus it react more to other drugs

Contraindications:

Interactions with many other drugs cleared by the cytochrome system in the liver exist, mostly due to potentiation of action. Ephedra is contraindicated for use in patients with heart disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, insomnia, diabetes, vascular disorders, prostatic enlargement and pregnancy.

Toxicity:

Heart palpitations, high blood pressure, headache, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, vomiting. In high dosage.

Pharmacy:

Decoction: 1 Tbl/cup H2O

Tincture (1:4, 1:5): 10 – 60 drops QID