Ephedra sinica: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|A plant species used in traditional medicine}} | |||
{{Taxobox | |||
| name = Ephedra sinica | |||
| image = Ephedra_sinica_alexlomas.jpg | |||
| image_caption = ''Ephedra sinica'' plant | |||
| regnum = Plantae | |||
| divisio = Gnetophyta | |||
| classis = Gnetopsida | |||
| ordo = Ephedrales | |||
| familia = Ephedraceae | |||
| genus = ''[[Ephedra]]'' | |||
| species = '''''E. sinica''''' | |||
| binomial = ''Ephedra sinica'' | |||
| binomial_authority = Stapf | |||
}} | |||
'''''Ephedra sinica''''', also known as [[Ma Huang]], is a species of gymnosperm shrub in the family [[Ephedraceae]]. It is native to [[Mongolia]], [[China]], and [[Russia]]. The plant has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. | |||
Ephedra sinica is a | |||
== | ==Description== | ||
Ephedra sinica is | ''Ephedra sinica'' is a small, shrub-like plant that typically grows to a height of 30–50 cm. It has slender, green stems and small, scale-like leaves. The plant is dioecious, meaning that it has separate male and female plants. The male plants produce small, yellowish cones, while the female plants produce larger, red cones. | ||
== | ==Chemical Composition== | ||
The | The plant contains several alkaloids, the most notable being [[ephedrine]] and [[pseudoephedrine]]. These compounds are known for their stimulant effects on the central nervous system and their ability to dilate bronchial passages. | ||
== | ==Uses== | ||
== | ===Traditional Medicine=== | ||
In traditional Chinese medicine, ''Ephedra sinica'' is used to treat a variety of conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, and the common cold. It is often used in combination with other herbs to enhance its effects. | |||
===Modern Applications=== | |||
In modern medicine, the alkaloids derived from ''Ephedra sinica'' are used in the production of medications for asthma and nasal congestion. However, due to potential side effects, the use of ephedrine-containing supplements is regulated in many countries. | |||
==Cultivation== | |||
''Ephedra sinica'' prefers sandy, well-drained soils and can tolerate arid conditions. It is typically propagated from seed, and the plants require full sun to thrive. | |||
== | ==Safety and Regulation== | ||
The use of ''Ephedra sinica'' and its derivatives has been subject to regulatory scrutiny due to concerns about cardiovascular side effects, including hypertension and heart palpitations. As a result, many countries have imposed restrictions on the sale of ephedrine-containing products. | |||
[[ | ==Related pages== | ||
[[ | * [[Ephedrine]] | ||
[[ | * [[Traditional Chinese medicine]] | ||
* [[Herbal medicine]] | |||
[[Category:Ephedra]] | |||
[[Category:Medicinal plants]] | |||
[[Category:Flora of Asia]] | |||
<gallery> | |||
File:Ephedra sinica alexlomas.jpg|Ephedra sinica | |||
</gallery> | |||
Latest revision as of 01:01, 20 February 2025
A plant species used in traditional medicine
Ephedra sinica, also known as Ma Huang, is a species of gymnosperm shrub in the family Ephedraceae. It is native to Mongolia, China, and Russia. The plant has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years.
Description[edit]
Ephedra sinica is a small, shrub-like plant that typically grows to a height of 30–50 cm. It has slender, green stems and small, scale-like leaves. The plant is dioecious, meaning that it has separate male and female plants. The male plants produce small, yellowish cones, while the female plants produce larger, red cones.
Chemical Composition[edit]
The plant contains several alkaloids, the most notable being ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. These compounds are known for their stimulant effects on the central nervous system and their ability to dilate bronchial passages.
Uses[edit]
Traditional Medicine[edit]
In traditional Chinese medicine, Ephedra sinica is used to treat a variety of conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, and the common cold. It is often used in combination with other herbs to enhance its effects.
Modern Applications[edit]
In modern medicine, the alkaloids derived from Ephedra sinica are used in the production of medications for asthma and nasal congestion. However, due to potential side effects, the use of ephedrine-containing supplements is regulated in many countries.
Cultivation[edit]
Ephedra sinica prefers sandy, well-drained soils and can tolerate arid conditions. It is typically propagated from seed, and the plants require full sun to thrive.
Safety and Regulation[edit]
The use of Ephedra sinica and its derivatives has been subject to regulatory scrutiny due to concerns about cardiovascular side effects, including hypertension and heart palpitations. As a result, many countries have imposed restrictions on the sale of ephedrine-containing products.
Related pages[edit]
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Ephedra sinica
