As of 15/01/2023, the correct name for this species is still disputed, with some authors treating it as a synonym or subspecies of either Ephedra nebrodensis or Ephedra major. We are treating Ephedra major here as an imperfectly known name (see Ephedra foeminea).

Common Name:

General Information

Ephedra procera is an erect, much-branched, evergreen shrub with very small, scale-like leaves and green, wiry stems where most of the photosynthesis takes place; it can grow up to 150cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. A rich source of the alkaloid ephidrine, the plant is harvested fom the wild for the pharmaceutical industry[].

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

Southeast Europe (Balkans) through Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the western Himalayas

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.20 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 sunny position in a freely-draining soil. It grows well in dry soils and is very drought tolerant once established[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.
Plants require a good summer in order to fully ripen their wood - this will encourage good flowering and fruiting the following summer.

Edible Uses

The red, ovoid to subglobose berry contains a single seed[].

Medicinal

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 the alkaloids ephedrine and the closely related pseudoephedrine[, ]. This species is the richest source of ephedrine in India, the stems containing over 2.5% total alkaloids, of which about 75% is ephedrine[].

The stems are a pungent, bitter, warm herb that dilates the bronchial vessels whilst stimulating the heart and central nervous system[]. They are also diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, hypertensive, nervine, pectoral, tonic, vasoconstrictor and vasodilator[, , , ]. They are used internally in the treatment of asthma, hay fever and allergic complaints[]. A tincture is used as a circulatory stimulant and to help in the treatment of heart complaints[]. The stems are also combined with a number of other herbs and used in treating a wide range of complaints[].
When used medicinally, the whole plant can be used at much lower concentrations than its isolated constituents - unlike using the isolated ephedrine, using the whole plant rarely gives rise to side-effects[].

The plant has antiviral effects, particularly against influenza[].

The juice of the berries is used in treating affections of the respiratory passages[].

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[].

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.