Common Name: Zhong Ma Huang

General Information

Ephedra intermedia is a much-branched, erect to spreading, evergreen shrub with very small, scale-like leaves and green, wiry stems where most of the photosynthesis takes place; it can grow around 100cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is a commercail source of the alkaloid ephidrine, used medicinally in the treatment of asthma and other conditions[].
Ephedra intermedia has a very wide range and, although the harvesting of the plant for medicinal purposes, (mainly related to products derived from the alkaloid ephedrine), may be causing declines in some areas, in general this species is not considered to be under threat. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

Many species in this genus contain phenylethylamine alkaloids (e.g. ephedrine, pseudoephedrine). These compounds have stimulant properties and are effective medications in the treatment of a number of conditions. However, they do also have potential side effects and are contraindicated in a number of conditions including anxiety, anorexia, bulimia, diabetes, glaucoma, hypertension, thyrotoxicosis[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Asia - West Siberia, through central Asia to Iran and Transcaucasus, east through Afghanistan, the Himalayas, western China, Mongolia

Habitat

Gritty mountain slopes at low elevations[]. Grasslands, deserts, river valleys, floodlands, sandy beaches, cliffs, other dry, sandy or rocky places; at elevations from 100 - 4,600 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Ephedra species are mainly temperate to subtropical plants, native to arid and semi-arid regions and are also found in seasonally dry habitats such as Mediterranean climates. They are often found at moderate to high elevations, especially when they occur in tropical regions
Requires a well-drained loamy soil and a sunny position[]. Established plants are drought resistant and are also lime tolerant[].
A dioecious species - both male and female forms must be grown if fruit and seed are required. Some forms are monoecious[].
Plants require a good summer in order to fully ripen their wood - this will encourage good flowering and fruiting the following summer.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. The red, ovoid fruit is about 7mm in diameter[, ].

Medicinal

Members of this genus contain various medicinally active alkaloids (but notably ephedrine) and they are widely used in preparations for the treatment of asthma and catarrh[]. Ephedrine has a similar effect to adrenaline in the body[]. It acts promptly to reduce swellings of the mucous membranes and has antispasmodic properties, thus making it valuable in the treatment of asthma[]. This species contains between 0.7 and 2.33% alkaloids, of which 10% is ephedrine[]. The plant also has antiviral effects, particularly against influenza[].

The stems are a pungent, bitter, warm herb that dilates the bronchial vessels whilst stimulating the heart and central nervous system[]. The stems are also antidote, diaphoretic. diuretic, vasoconstrictor and vasodilator[, , ]. They are used internally in the treatment of asthma, hay fever and allergic complaints[, ]. They are also combined with a number of other herbs and used in treating a wide range of complaints238].

The root is antihydrotic, it lowers blood pressure and dilates the peripheral blood vessels[]. It is used in the treatment of night sweating and spontaneous sweating[].

This herb should be used with great caution, preferably under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[]. It should not be prescribed to patients who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or suffering from high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism or glaucoma[]. Ephedrine is seen as a performance-boosting herb and, as such, is a forbidden substance in many sporting events such as athletics[].

The stems can be harvested at any time of the year and are dried for later use[].

Ephedra species, especially those found in Asia, have a long history of medicinal use, particularly in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma, hay fever, catarrh and coughs. They are also considered to be antisyphilitic, antipyretic and circulatory stimulants. The main active substances are alkaloids, particularly ephedrine and the closely related pseudoephedrine, though many other alkaloids can be present[, ].
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are found mainly in the Asian species; those species in the Americas generally have much lower or zero levels, though they do contaim various other alkaloids. These American species often have a high reputation as a refreshing tonic tea that promotes kidney and urinary tract health[, ].
The isolated Ephedrine is often used medicinally as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant to prevent low blood pressure during anesthesia, and to treat conditions including asthma, narcolepsy, and obesity. However, the isolated compound can have various side effects and it has been shown that the whole plant can be used at much lower concentrations than the isolated alkaloid and rarely gives rise to side-effects[].

Ephedra does not cure asthma but in many cases it is very effective in treating the symptoms and thus making life somewhat easier for the sufferer. The stems can be used fresh or dried and are usually made into a tea, though the young stems can also be eaten raw[]. The stems can be harvested at any time of the year and are dried for later use[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse[]. It can also be sown in spring in a greenhouse in a sandy compost[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out in the spring or early summer after the last expected frosts and give some protection in their first winter[].
Division in spring or autumn[].
Layering.