Ephedra (plant)
Ephedra (plant)
Ephedra (pronounced /ɪˈfɛdrə/), also known as Ma Huang or Chinese ephedra, is a genus of gymnosperm shrubs, the only genus in its family, Ephedraceae, and order, Ephedrales. The various species of Ephedra are widespread in many lands, native to southwestern North America, southern Europe, northern Africa, southwest and central Asia, northern China and western South America.
Etymology
The word "Ephedra" derives from the Greek "Ephedros" meaning "sitting upon", referring to the plant's habit of growing on top of rocks.
Description
Ephedra plants, often referred to as ephedra shrubs, are commonly known for their slender, broom-like branches that bear small, scale-like leaves. The plants produce small, yellow-green cones and are well-adapted to dry environments.
Uses
Ephedra has been used for more than 5,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating asthma, hay fever, and the common cold. Some species in the Ephedra genus, such as Ephedra sinica and Ephedra intermedia, are used to produce the powerful stimulant ephedrine.
Safety and Legal Status
The use of Ephedra in dietary supplements has been controversial, due to serious health risks associated with its use. In many countries, including the United States, the sale of Ephedra-containing supplements is restricted or banned due to these health risks.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ephedra (plant)
- Wikipedia's article - Ephedra (plant)
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