Ephedra transitoria

Ma huang has traditionally been used to treat cough and respiratory infection. However, the latest studies suggest that there may be other reasons for treating respiratory infections with ephedra it contains a compound that, in the test tube at least, has antibiotic properties. It is a quinoline alkaloid (4-quinolone-2-carboxylic acid), isolated from the aerial part of Ephedra transitoria by column chromatography, and called transtorine. It inhibits growth of common bacteria, such as Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus (A1 -Khalil et al., 1998). Unfortunately, there have been no clinical trials. 

A1-Khalil S, Alkofahi A, et al. Transtorine, a new quinoline alkaloid from Ephedra transitoria. J Nat Prod 1998 61 262-3. 

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