Herbs Ma Huang

Which one of the following statements is true of the Chinese herb ma huang Ephedra sinensis) ... 

Ephedrine is found in the ephedra plant (Ephedra sinica— the Chinese herb Ma Huang). It is used as a nasal decongestant... 

Efhedrine (Jl) is an alkaloid of the Chinese medicinal herb Ma Huang which has been identified as Ephedra sinica Stapf (14), and it also occurs in the leaves of the yew, Taxus baccata L. (15). The natural base is the Z-isomer. The Chinese plant contains small amounts of several closely related alkaloids d-pseudoephedrine, d-norpsevdoephedrine (III), l-methyl-ephedrine (IV), and d-methylpseudoephedrine. d-Pseudoephedrine is a diastereoisomer but not an enantiomorph of Z-ephedrine. 

Phenylephrine and ephedrine are the only orally effective agents listed. Phenylephrine has a direct and relatively short action. Ephedrine occurs in the herb Ma-huang and in energy supplements. The answer is (B). 

Nagai first isolated ephedrine in 1887 from a well-known Chinese herb, ma huang by moistening the powdered drug with either aqueous sodium carbonate or with lime water and subsequently extracting it with ethanol or benzene. 

Ephedrine (Fig. 10.15) is found in the Chinese herb Ma Huang, which has been used in Chinese medicine for 3000 years. It was also used in Greek medicine. Its stmctural resemblance to adrenaline and noradrenaline is readily apparent. It was used in the treatment of asthma hut has heen superseded by selective P2 agonists such as salhutamol. Its main application is as a nasal decongestant by promoting noradrenaline release, thus causing constriction of hlood vessels in the nasal mucosa. It also has weak P-agonist aaivity. Its other actions are discussed in Chapter 18. 

Ephedra (sea grape, ma-huang, yellow horse) ephedra sinica Relieves colds, improves respiratory function, headaches, diuretic effects 3heart rate, psychosis l hedra should only be used after consulting with the physician. Many restrictions apply and the herb can cause serious reactions. Do not use with cardiac glycosides, monoamine oxidase inhibitor halothane, guanethidine, (MAOIs) or oxytocin. Do not use with 3. John s wort or in weight loss formulas. 

Ephedrine is the principal active ingredient in the herb ephedra, or ma huang. It is similar in form to the appetite-control drug phenylpropanolamine (banned in the United States), which is also known as norephedrine, meaning ephedrine whose methyl group has been replaced by a hydrogen. 

Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica) is another potentially harmful herb that is available in the United States. Claims of utility of Ma Huang for the treatment of bronchial asthma, cold and flu symptoms, fevers or chills, headaches and other aches, edema, and lack of perspiration have been made [23], Ma Huang contains approximately 1% of ephedrine and therefore possesses central nervous stimulatory potential [24], However, ephedrine is difficult to extract and purify from Ma Huang, so it presently has no street value. 

Patients with cardiovascular disease (including hypertension), diabetes (risk of hyperglycemia), pregnancy (uterine contractions), prostatism, and anxiety disorders are among those who should not take ma huang at any dose. Drug-herb interactions occur with MAOIs (hypertensive crisis), phenoth-iazines (tachycardia, hypotension), (3-blockers (hypertension) and theophylline (increased CNS effects). Of course, caffeine and other stimulants have an additive effect. 

Ma Huang is chosen to induce sweating and it focuses on the main pathological change. As it is a harsh and poisonous herb, it cannot be used in a large dosage. 

This section gives information about some of the more commonly known herbs that have been used in drinks. This list generally excludes herbs and spices that are associated primarily with culinary or flavour use, although many of these will also have some health benefits. Some of the herbs listed below are of European or American origin and are listed in the Blue Book . The names of listed herbs are followed by their category. Several herbs that have been used in the past, such as St John s Wori, Ma huang (Ephedra) and Kava-kava, have been omitted as they are currently withdrawn from the European market due to health concerns by the regulators. 

In the United States, ephedrine alkaloids are derived from the Ephedra sinica, or ma huang plant. Most ephedra supplements contain a standard extract of 6-8% ephedrine alkaloids. Other herbs and ingredients, including caffeine, may also be added to ephedra supplements. 

Ephedra is available in multiple forms. It is a common ingredient in energy boosting bars, sold as Herbal Ecstasy in some health food stores, and is also available as powder that can be mixed with water. Health food stores may sell powdered ephedrine stems, which can be used in a tea, or they may sell infusion, extracts, tinctures, or tablets of ephedra. Health food stores may also sell ephedra as the ma huang herb. Many manufacturers tend to advertise or market ephedra supplements as natural or as a botanical herb, because some consumers equate natural with safe. In China, ephedra may be boiled with cinnamon twig, licorice root, and almond to treat the common cold. 

Ephedrine is isolated from ma huang, an herb used to treat respiratory ailments in traditional Chinese medicine. Once a popular drug to promote weight loss and enhance athletic performance, ephedrine has now been linked to episodes of sudden death, heart attack, and stroke. 

Ephedra has been closely linked to methamphetamine production. There are movements In many localities to outlaw the herb. There are many drug interactions with Ma huang. )9-BI(K kcrs may enhance the sympathetic effect and cause hypertentiion. MAOIs may interact with ephedra to cause hypertensive cri.si.s. Phcnothiaz.ines might block the or effects of ephedra, causing hypotension and tachycardia. Simultaneous use of theophylline may cau.se GI and CNS effects. In pregnancy, ephedra is absolutely contraindicated (uterine stimulation). Persons with heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes should not take ephedra. 

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