ephedra sinica root

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are sympathomimetic compounds that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. 

This property has led to the use of Ephedra sinica in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Psychiatric symptoms 

Autonomic hyperactivity  

Arrhythmia and sudden death 

Myocardial infarction 

Coronary artery aneurysm 

Stroke 

Seizures 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

• Individuals with a history of stroke or heart attack should avoid ephedrine-containing products due to the potential cardiovascular risks. 
• Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, or other heart-related issues, should avoid ephedra sinica root. 
• People with hypertension should avoid ephedra sinica root. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine act by stimulating the central nervous system, which results in better cognitive performance, less fatigue, and increased alertness. 

Ephedrine has thermogenic properties; thus, it can increase heat production in the body.  

Pharmacodynamics 

CNS stimulation can enhance cognitive function and contribute to the stimulant effects associated with the use of ephedra sinica root. 

Ephedrine has thermogenic properties, increasing heat production in the body. This can lead to an increase in metabolic rate and energy. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

Ephedra sinica root is taken orally and it is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.  

Distribution 

Ephedra sinica root are distributed throughout the body. 

Metabolism 

Ephedra sinica root undergoes metabolism in the liver. 

Elimination and excretion 

Ephedra sinica root is excreted through the kidneys. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

Ephedra sinica root is taken orally and it is available in the form of tablets and capsule.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: ephedra sinica root 

Why do we use ephedra sinica root? 

Ephedra sinica root is used as a bronchodilator to alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.  

Ephedra sinica root has been used as a decongestant due to its ability to constrict blood vessels in the nasal mucosa.  

Ephedra sinica root has stimulant properties which contributes to increased alertness and reduced fatigue.