Medicinal plants stabilizing actions

This alkaloid was first isolated from Ephedra equisetina, a plant (ma huang) that has been used as medicine by the Chinese since antiquity. Most of the present supply is probably synthetic. Its chemical structure is closely related to epinephrine and tyramine, and differs from epinephrine chiefly by the absence of the two phenolic hydroxyls. Its effects on the circulation, intestines, bronchi, iris, etc., are superficially similar to those of epinephrine. It requires that larger doses be given but they are more lasting, due probably to ephedrine s much greater stability and resistance to oxidation. The effects can be produced by oral administration. Unlike epinephrine, it is not sensitized by cocaine or by denervation. From this, it has been argued that its point of attack is not sympathomimetic but muscular. It also stimulates the CNS. A number of isomers with similar actions are known. Ephedrine is used therapeutically in hay fever and asthma, in which it is less... 

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