Ephedra is also known as Ma huang and epitonin. Chinese used it for respiratory illness like asthma, bronchospasm and congestion. It has become popular for its stimulant and appetite suppressing effects and it was used in weight loss supplements.
Ephedrine
Ephedrine is an alkaloid derived from ephedra. It acts by stimulating sympathetic system. Ephedrine is used in decongestants and as a bronchodilator.
Actions
Ephedra increases heart rate, constricts blood vessels, dilates bronchioles and it stimulates brain. It also increases the metabolism.
Uses
Ephedra is used for the treatment of common cold, asthma, for weight loss as a dietary supplement.
Side effects
Due to its stimulant effects on sympathetic system it causes increased heart rate, irritability, insomnia serious side effects like heart attack, stroke were reported which caused deaths.