Ephedra sinica root

Ephedra sinica root, also known as Ma Huang gen, is derived from the plant *Ephedra sinica* (Ma Huang), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Unlike the stems of *Ephedra sinica*, which contain ephedrine alkaloids known for their stimulant and hypertensive effects and are banned in dietary supplements in the United States, the root does not contain appreciable amounts of these alkaloids. Instead, *Ephedra sinica root* is traditionally used for its hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) and antihydrotic (sweat-reducing) properties. Its active constituents include spermine alkaloids like ephedradines A-D, the flavonoid ephedrannin A, and feruloylhistamine, which are believed to contribute to its distinct pharmacological profile. The root's therapeutic actions are considered to be opposite to those of the stem.

Other names

Ma Huang genEphedra root