Some dozen or so species occur in the western united states, with three ephedra viridis, ephedra cutleri, ephedra torreyana common in the four corners area. Flattery considered harmel to be the real haoma, with ephedra only being the secondary ingredient in the parahaoma mixture. Mormon tea a widely used medicinal plant arizona daily. Ephedra products are currently sold overthecounter in various forms such as tablets and capsules. Ma huang seed pack ephedra sinica sacred seed garden supply.
Ephedra sinica es mahuang is a wellknown plant due to its widespread therapeutic uses. Ephedra also referred to as ma huang is a plant material that contains numerous alkaloids, including lephedrine and dpseudoephedrine. Hi kelly, as long as you give full sun and a welldrained soil you can grow true mahuang in texas, the humidity doesnt matter. The history of ephedra mahuang abstract ephedra is a chinese shrub which has been used in china for medicinal purposes for several thousand years. The vegetative plant body contains roots, stem and leaves and shows xerophytic characters. Distribution of nevada jointfir in the united states.
Ephedra americana in world checklist of selected plant families. The ephedra plant has been identified as an excellent source of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, both of which can be chemically reduced to form the widely abused illicit drug methamphetamine. Several additional species belonging to the genus ephedra have traditionally been used for a variety of medicinal purposes, and are a possible candidate for the soma plant of indoiranian religion. Their closest relative is the bizarre welwitschia spp. Ephedrine containing species the ethnobotanical garden. Plants of the ephedra family the ephedras produce naked seeds like the pines, but they form on a colored, cuplike structure called a perianth. It is also used in preparation of herbal teas keeler 1989. I found a list of plant constituents for you from textbook of advanced herbology by terry willard ph. Renner2 1university of alaska museum of the north and department of biology and wildlife, university of alaska fairbanks, 907 yukon dr. Unlike using the isolated or synthesized ephedrine, using the whole plant in alternative medicine is much more effective and rarely gives rise to serious sideeffects. Some asian species have been used as a source of the stimulant ephedrine, and many are important in herbal medicine. Ephedrine is a natural product of the ephedra plant ephedra sinica, and is a mixedacting, noncatecholamine sympathomimetic with both direct and. The chloroplast genome of an important herb species, ephedra.
Ephedra the ephedra family, ephedraceae, has but one genus, ephedra. A new species of ephedra ephedraceae, ephedrales from india article pdf available in phytotaxa 2182. This is true with most herbs, but especially with ephedra, since other plant constituents can help buffer or improve the actions of the main constituents. Ephedra is one of the most important herbs in chinese herbal medicine. Did you know that ephedra is a plant that grows in the arid dome of the mitchell park horticultural conservatory. Ephedra viridis is the most common ephedra in our area, but any one of the three.
Plant symbol epvi alternative names green ephedra, jointfir warning. There are many species of ephedra, but the ephedra of rgveda and avesta are the four or five mountaingrowing species containing ephedrine. Ephedra is a genus of gymnosperm shrubs, the only genus in its family, ephedraceae, and order, ephedrales. To lose access to it is a serious setback to the practice of a 5000 year old traditional form of herbal medicine in america. Male and female flowers are found on seperate plants. Transcriptome profiling of khat catha edulis and ephedra. A read is counted each time someone views a publication summary such as the title, abstract, and list of authors, clicks on a figure, or views or downloads the fulltext. Its been used in chinese medicine for thousands of years 1, 2. Ephedra americana in kew science plants of the world online. The parts of the plant above the ground are collected. Ephedra herb uses alternative nature online herbal. Probably the most effective approach is to prepare the planting site with the plant s specific environmental needs in mind, and then plant at least 3, because this seems to reflect critical mass and because the plants are dioecious. How can i extract ephedrine from the ma huang plant. According to the arizonasonora desert museum, these are conifers more primitive than pine trees.
An nmethyltransferase from ephedra sinica catalyzing the. Complementary and alternative medicine penn state hershey. Majority of the 50 ephedra species throughout the world are adapted as a shrub to moisture and desert conditions 46. Cultivation and propagation the ephedra is robust and doesnt need much attention.
It was known not only to the ancient aryans, but also. The most impressive health benefits of ephedra include its ability to boost energy, help with weight loss, eliminate fatigue, increase cognition, boost the immune system, strengthen respiratory health, boost heart rate and blood pressure, and eliminate excess water what is ephedra. Kochhar who has himself researched the topic in great detail, most scholars agree that the plant as described in both rgveda and avesta is ephedra. Chemical composition toxicologically relevant ingredients of the ephedra haulm are ephedra alkaloids see table 1.
The pollen cones are spheroidal and 3 to 4 mm in diameter. Ephedra s unique and attractive evergreen or gray foliage makes it a desirable species for environmental plantings. Fred h brennanjr do, faoasm, faafp, in the sports medicine resource manual, 2008. Pdf selective extraction of ephedrine from ephedra. The microsporophylls are similar to the stamens of the flowering plant. The cones of ephedra viridis do not appear every year, and on the years that they do they are only present for about a 2 week period sometime between april and june. Species are distributed in dry regions in both the eastern and western hemispheres. Ephedrine is used for temporary relief of shortness of breath. Ephedra intermedia is higher in pseudoephedrine than ephedrine. Recently, it is used to promote weight loss and bodybuilding community. Ephedra is an evolutionally isolated group and is the only genus in the order ephedrales. Recent insights on their morphology, reproductive biology, chromosome numbers, biogeography, and divergence times stefanie m. Invitro callus induction and shoot regeneration in.
This is a good herb for breathing issues but it seems we are not able to purchase the dried herb from mountain rose so it would be nice to have the actual plant. The genus ephedra known in much of north america as mormon teacomprises about 40 shrubby species that are found throughout the arid and semiarid regions of the northern. Hello i was wondering if i could buy the ephedra for a house plant for now. It is used for the treatment of asthma, cough and hayfever. The uplcuv analysis was performed using and modifying the parameters published by gurley et al. Weightloss dietary supplements typically contain 12 to 25 mg total ephedrinegroup alkaloids derived from extracts of ephedra sinica, the plant source of the chinese herbal medicine ma huang. Shruby plant body usually remains less than two metres in height in most of the species. Native americans made flour and a coffeelike beverage from the seeds. The production of these metabolites, which derive from lphenylalanine, involves a multistep pathway partially mapped out at the biochemical level. 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 in temperate climates, most ephedra species grow on shores or in. Ephedra ephedra intermedia belongs to family ephedraceae and is a genus of nonflowering plants, related to gnetales, very near relatives of angiosperms.
Ephedra containing supplements are banned for sale in the united. 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. People have used ephedra for centuries in china for colds, fever, flu, headaches, asthma, nasal congestion, and wheezing. Ephedra plants, including ephedra sinica stapf, ephedra intermedia. Ephedra ephedra sinica plant profiler sigmaaldrich. Common on slopes and hills, mostly below 1500 m 4,500 ft elevation. Oct 11, 2015 mormon tea genus ephedra is a woody shrub that grows two to five feet high and wide. Since the cones are only present for a limited time, the plant has a very small window of opportunity for pollination to occur. Ephedra commonly known as joint pine, joint fir, mormon tea or brigham tea is the only genus in family ephedraceae and order ephedrales. Amphetamine analogues are produced by plants in the genus ephedra and by khat catha edulis, and include the widely used decongestants and appetite suppressants 1s,2spseudoephedrine and 1r,2sephedrine. Ephedra is considered toxic and should be used with caution.
Ephedra ephedra californica over 50 species of ephedra, or joint fir, can be found growing all around the world. Ephedras role as a precursor in the clandestine manufacture. Ephedra sinica or mahuang is an evergreen shrub native to central asia. At the tucson pmc, green ephedra begins flowering in midto lateapril. There are about 60 species of ephedra worldwide, but they all live in arid or desert climates. The ephedra plant is a perennial evergreen that stands 1 foot high, on average. While the plant contains multiple chemical compounds, the major effects of ephedra are likely caused by the molecule ephedrine 3. The best preparation is to spread about 4 inches of sand on the surface, then plant the. Mahuang ephedra sinica potted seedling, organic strictly. But such a mission cannot be carried out by us without taking utmost care of our health. Supplements containing ephedra extracts are a popular herbal stimulant.
Thus, main objective of this itative and quantities of the content which is present in different crude extracts. In the four corners area, ephedra viridis almost always grows upright to about 5 feet tall and wide. In atash nyaesh, the body is regarded as a walking friend of the. The thermogenic properties of ephedrine are mainly due to its. The pure alkaloid ephedrine was first isolated and characterised by nagai in 1885. The plant body is sporophytic and shows xerophytic characters. It is the source of ephedrine alkaloids and has an extremely long history of use in china. Ephedra contains several additional alkaloids that undergo analogous reductions to form amphetamine and n,ndimethylamphetamine. Potentiation of adverse effects by combining many active ingredients into a single. Mormon tea, ephedra sinica, epitonin, herbal ecstasy, ma huang.
Aug 05, 2019 the whole ephedra sinica plant has traditionally been used to treat symptoms of bronchial asthma, colds, influenza, allergies, and hives in teas or tinctures. It is this powder which is them taken in different methods to experience the antisleep effects. Keep seeds in constant moisture with temperatures of about 68 degrees f also on erowid ephedra should be planted in dry locations. Ephedra sinica is the scientific name of the plant from which the substance known as ephedra. Ma huang seed pack ephedra sinica ma huangephedra sinicauses. The plant list includes a further 79 scientific plant names of infraspecific rank for the genus ephedra.
Ephedra altissima is a species of ephedra that is native to the western sahara libya, algeria, tunisia, morocco, chad, mauritania. Cao ma huang a long time holy grail for richters, we are very pleased finally to be able to offer seeds of the true. To file a complaint of discrimination write usda, director, office. Ephedra profile ephedra ephedra sinica, also known as mahuang, is an herbal stimulant drug composed of two active compounds pseudoephedrine and ephedrine that are ingredients in many overthecounter products. In the united states, ephedrine alkaloids are derived from the ephedra sinica, or ma huang plant. Ephedra sinica, also called ma huang, is a plant native to asia, though it also grows in other areas around the world. It is found in europe, western and central asia and central and south america. National plant data team, greensboro, nc 2018, july 6. All ephedra samples were analyzed in triplicate by sdspme with a 30min re. Ephedrine is a natural product of the ephedra plant ephedra sinica, and is a mixedacting, noncatecholamine sympathomimetic with both direct and indirect stimulating effects on. Ephedrine is one of the most commonly used noncatecholamine sympathomimetic drugs in the perioperative period.
In the western hemisphere, ephedra occurs in desert areas in the southwestern united states, in parts of mexico, and in a wide area in south america. Selective extraction of ephedrine from ephedra sinica using mixtures of co2, diethylamine, and methanol article pdf available in chromatographia 5011. Scientifically called ephedra sinica, it is a plant which has been used for its medicinal purposes for more than 2000 years. Pdf pharmacological effects of ephedrine researchgate. Ephedra sinica, known as ma huang, is one of the oldest medicinal herbs in. Rocky mountain penstemon can be produced with fertilizer concentrations up to 200 ppm n and media ph ranges 5. Other herbs and ingredients, including caffeine, may also be added to ephedra supplements. Cao ma huang a long time holy grail for richters, we are very pleased finally to be able to offer seeds of the true ma huang from inner mongolia. Ephedra is a most unusual and thus easily remembered shrub and it is very common in. One famous species, ephedra sinica, is the source for the chinese supplement ma huang. Effect of extractions from ephedra sinica stapf on hyperlipidemia in. The fda regulates ephedrine, the synthesized form of ephedra. Do not cover the small seeds, but press gentle into the earth. Review article phytosomes a new herbal drug delivery.
California ephedra plant provided various benefits for early. This herb is brewed as tea and could be found in the form of pill supplements. Ephedra is considered one of the best herbs for the treatment of chills, fevers, cough and wheezing associated with colds and flus. Thus it superficially appears that these plants are an evolutionary link between the conifers and the true flowering plants. The plant list includes 157 scientific plant names of species rank for the genus ephedra. The board of trustees of the royal botanic gardens, kew. Pdf a new species of ephedra ephedraceae, ephedrales from. Purpose of assessment the federal office of consumer protection and food safety bvl, in collaboration with the als working party on dietary foods, nutrition and classification issues, has compiled a hit list of 10 substances, the consumption of which may pose a health risk. The revised version of the report includes substantially more information on the. Ephedrine levels may vary according to how old the plants are, where they are grown, when the seed is harvested, how the herb is processes, whether the nodes are used or. The molecular structure of ephedra resembles that of amphetamine, a stimulant. It was then forgotten until it was rediscovered by chen and schmidt in the early 1920s. Ma huang is a powerful stimulant herb containing the alkaloid ephedrine, the main inspiration for todays popular overthecounter antihistamine drugs.
Issn 23203862 qualitative and quantities analysis of. Ephedra is an evergreen shrublike plant native to central asia, and mongolia. Gray ephedra is usually grazed heavily and seems to. This ephedra extract has been a part of traditional chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. Plant remedies traditionally used as respiratory spasmolytics. We do not intend the plant list to be complete for names of infraspecific rank. Flower are found in in axils, 6 to 15 pale yellow flowered, on 3 to 5 mm long stalks borne at branch apex, petals ovateoblong or oblonglanceshaped. They are then dried and later ground to extract some powder. Scientific opinion on safety evaluation of ephedra species. The plant sources are ephedra sinica stapf and other epcontaining species of the genus. Ephedra compacta attains a height of about 30 cm and e. Ephedra is a medicinal preparation from the plant ephedra sinica.
Mormon or brigham tea ephedra viridis i can see the princess plume with its tall golden racemes. Ephedra is a shrub that is native to pakistan, china, and northwestern india. The plant species ephedra sinica, ephedra equisetina, and ephedra intermedia, collectively known by their chinese name ma huang, are indigenous to pakistan, china, and northwestern india. Flattery proposed the second plant was peganum harmala harmal, harmel, syrian rue, see also harmaline, known in iranian languages as esfand, sepand or other similar terms related to avestan word spenta sacred, holy. Ephedra is a low stalky shrub with jointed green to brown stems and tiny unnoticeable leaves. Ma huang ephedra scenically referred to as ephedra sinica has been used for years as an antisleep herb.
Botanical products that contain ephedra were formally allowed under the dshea but have recently been banned by the fda. Green ephedra was traditionally used as a beverage and medicine. The relative composition of the alkaloids varies considerably between the ephedra species and within individual species see table 2 kitani et al, 2009. Meaning, reproduction and economic importance gnetales. A component uplc system acquity uplc hclass consisted of a pump, vacuum degasser, reservoir of the mobile phase, a thermostatedauto sampler, a thermostated column compartment, pda e. However, many adverse effects such as hepatitis, nephritises, and cardiovascular toxicity. Most ephedra supplements contain a standard extract of 68% ephedrine alkaloids. Ephedra viridis is the most common ephedra in our area, but any one of the three species may be the dominant, or even the exclusive species in a given location. Preparation of the right microsite is particularly important for a plant of this nature, which must maintain a dry, warm crown during the growing season lest the crown begin to rot. It is found himalayas region in india, it is a perennial shrub, which grows up to a height of two feet, it is a leaf less stems grew up to 2 m long, green or gray, hairless.
May 18, 2015 instrumentation and chromatographic conditions. Some ephedra species grow in the southwest desert of the united states. Ephedrine can be produced by chemical synthesis and in its pure form. Because of adverse events and lack of efficacy, use is not recommended for weight loss or increased athletic performance. Ebert, in pharmacology and physiology for anesthesia second edition, 2019. Scientific assessment of ephedra species ephedra spp. Ephedra, genus of 65 species of gymnosperm shrubs of the family ephedraceae. Plant body can be differentiated into three parts root, stem and leaves. Ephedra or ma huang is a sympathomimetic herbal extract used for asthma. Mormon tea, nevada ephedra nevadensis potted plant. Steam distillationsolidphase microextraction for the. Other ephedra alkaloids of the ephedrinetype present in the.
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