Ephedra
Botanical Name: Ephedra sinica, Ephedra gerardiana
Pharmacognosy & Source
Plant Part Used
Dried young stems
Geographical Source
China, India
Macroscopic Features
Cylindrical, yellowish-green stems, strongly striated.
Constituents & Pharmacology
Active Constituents
Amino alkaloids (Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine)
Pharmacological Actions
Sympathomimetic, bronchodilator, nasal decongestant
Traditional Uses
Asthma, hay fever, stimulant
Safety & Warnings
Contraindications
Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, concurrent MAOI use