Ephedra (medicine)

Ephedra (pronounced /ɪˈfɛdrə/), also known as ma huang in traditional Chinese medicine, is a plant-based medicinal substance derived from several species of the genus Ephedra.

Etymology

The term "Ephedra" is derived from the Greek word "Ephedros", which means "sitting upon". This refers to the plant's characteristic of growing on top of other plants in its native habitats. The Chinese name "ma huang" translates to "yellow hemp", referring to the plant's yellowish stems and its hemp-like appearance.

Usage

Ephedra has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years to treat conditions such as asthma, hay fever, and the common cold. It is known for its bronchodilating, decongestant, and thermogenic properties. The active compounds in Ephedra, known as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, stimulate the nervous system, increase heart rate, and expand bronchial tubes, making it effective in treating respiratory conditions.

Related Terms

Ephedrine: An alkaloid derived from various species of Ephedra. It is a potent central nervous system stimulant used in many over-the-counter cold/allergy medications and weight loss supplements.
Pseudoephedrine: A diastereomer of ephedrine and is readily reduced into methamphetamine or oxidized into methcathinone.
Traditional Chinese Medicine: A broad range of medicine practices sharing common concepts which have been developed in China and are based on a tradition of more than 2,000 years.

Safety and Regulation

Due to its stimulant properties and the potential for serious side effects, the use of Ephedra in dietary supplements was banned in the United States in 2004 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, Ephedra is still used in traditional Chinese medicine and is available in some countries under controlled conditions.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Ephedra (medicine)
Wikipedia's article - Ephedra (medicine)

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Ephedra (medicine)