Ehpedra

WHAT IS EPHEDRA?
Ephedra, the naturally occuring herbal form of ephedrine, has actually been used in chinese medicine for over 5000 years. Ephedrine is a naturally occuring sympathomimetic amine found in plants of the genus Ephedra, including the familiar Chinese herb Ma Huang. Structurally, ephedrine is similar to adrenaline and amphetamines, and holds the same benefits and disadvantages of both. Used in chinese medicine for use in respiratory ailments due to it's broncholidating effects and for giving the sick more energy.

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?
Ephedrine, as stated, is the main active chemical component of the herb however there are a no of different varieties growing in many different geographical locations, even variations within the same plant, containing varying concentrations of ephedrine. It is very important to use correctly standardized herb to around 20 - 25 mg of ephedrine per dose. For example 400mg of Sida Cordifolia (Country Mallow) standardized at 6% gives us 24mg of ephedrine. It is also important to use only the 'L' form of ephedrine. Like amino acids and many other substances with biochemical applications, ephedrine exists in various forms called isomers, which are labeled according to their structure or rotation around the central axis. When only two isomers exist they are usually mirror images of each other and rotate clockwise (L) or anti-clockwise (D). In most cases humans have evolved to utilize the 'L' forms, and such is the case with Ephedrine. Most reputable supplement companies state their standardized dose and use the L form of ephedrine.

Besides natural and modified forms, concetrated extracts of ma huang are also available. These products are far more powerful than natural ma huang, and often contain a mixed blend of different ephedrine isomers. Pseudoephedrine being probably the most widely used and highly popular in modern day cold and flu remedies.

For more detailed information on the effects of the chemical ephedrine see......