Common Name: Ma Huang

General Information

Ephedra sinica is a much-branched evergreen shrub with very small, scale-like leaves and green, wiry stems where most of the photosynthesis takes place; it can grow around 40cm tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild and also often cultivated for use as a food and a medicine. It is a commercail source of ephidrine, used medicinally in the treatment of asthma and other conditions[, ].
Ephedra sinica occurs over a large area in Central Asia. Although extensively harvested for medicinal use, it is not known if this is having any significant effect upon populations, 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

E. Asia - southern Siberia, Mongolia, Russian Far East, northern China.

Habitat

Arid areas and highlands, occurring on slopes, dry river beds, sandy places, or fields on mountain sides. In the Russian Federation it is found in Stipa steppe habitat and occasionally in birch forests.; at elevations from 400 - 1,600 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, 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. A small plant of this species is being grown in the Centenary Border at Hilliers Arboretum in Hampshire. It has survived at least one winter of temperatures down to below -10°c, but was not looking very vigorous when seen in September 1997[].
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 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

Fruit - raw or cooked.

Medicinal

Ma Huang is a strongly stimulant acrid-tasting herb that is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[, ].
Most 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[]. The whole plant can be used at much lower concentrations than the isolated constituents - unlike using the isolated ephedrine, using the whole plant rarely gives rise to side-effects[].

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, pectoral, vasoconstrictor and vasodilator[, , ]. They are used internally in the treatment of asthma, hay fever and allergic complaints[]. The plant also has antiviral effects, particularly against influenza[].
Ephedra is often combined with a number of other herbs and used in treating a wide range of complaints238].
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[].

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[]. The root is believed to have the opposite action to the stem, but is only prescribed in cases of profuse sweating[].

Other Uses

An extract of the plant is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner and tonic[].

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.