• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.52-55
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• 2003

The aerial parts of Ephedra aphylla afforded two alkaloids belonging to two different classes. The first alkaloid, ephedradine C, belonging to the spermine alkaloid, a group characterized by its hypotensive effect. The other alkaloid, hordenine is a phenylalkylamine alkaloid isolated for the first time from Ephedra Species. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and the assignment of some carbons in ephedradine C was achieved based on 2 D-NMR experiments.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.168-180
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• 2022

Ephedra is a genus of the Ephedraceae family and is found in temperate regions, such as Central Asia and Europe. Among the various ephedra species, Ma Huang (Ephedra herb) is derived from the aerial parts of Ephedra sinica S tapf, Ephedra equisetina Bunge, and Ephedra intermedia Schrenk & C.A. Mey. Ma Huang contains various ephedra alkaloids, including (-)-ephedrine, (+)-pseudoephedrine, (-)-norephedrine, (+)-norpseudoephedrine, (-)-methylephedrine, and (+)-methylpseudoephedrine, which are found naturally as single enantiomers, although they can be prepared as racemates. Although the use of Ma Huang in foods is prohibited in Korea, products containing Ma Huang can be imported, and so it is necessary to develop a suitable analytical technique for the detection of Ma Huang in foods. Herein, we report the development of analytical methods for the detection of ephedra alkaloids in products containing Ma Huang. Following sample purification by solid phase extraction, quantitative analysis was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Additionally, the enantiomers were successfully separated using HPLC-DAD. We successfully analyzed various food samples, where the ephedra alkaloids were qualitatively and quantitatively determined, and the enantiomers were separated. It is expected that these methods may contribute toward preventing the distribution of illegal products containing Ma Huang.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.97-108
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• 2020

Objectives: Ephedra sinica and Wolbigachul-tang which contains Ephedra sinica are used to treat obesity in Korean medicine. The aim of this study was to analyze the quantities of ephedrine alkaloids by high-performance liquid chromatography. Methods: The analysis was performed using a YMC-Triat C18 column with operating at 25℃, and UV detection at 210 nm. The mobile phase used a gradient flow with 0.1% H3PO4 in water and acetonitrile. Specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection, and limit of quantification were measured for validation anaylsis. This method was applied to analyze the quantities of ephedrine alkaloids in Ephedra sinica and Wolbigachul-tang. Results: The concentration per Ephedra sinica (gram) of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine in Ephedra sinica decoction are 4.74±0.22 mg and 2.19±0.10 mg, respectively and in Wolbigachul-tang decoction are 6.39±0.34 mg and 2.97±0.21 mg, respectively. The retention time of ephedrine was 23.6 min and that of pseudoephedrine was 25.8 min, and norephedrine and methylephedrine were not detected. Conclusions: In conclusion, analyzed the concentration of ephedrine alkaloids in Ephedra sinica and Wolbigachul-tang by the developed validation method.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.93-96
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• 2017

Ephedra alkaloids, (-)-ephedrine, (+)-pseudoephedrine, (-)-N-methylephedrine, (+)-N-methylpseudoephedrine, (-)-norephedrine and (+)-norpseudoephedrine, from ephedra herb are sympathomimetic agonists causing an increase of metabolism, blood pressure and perspiration. In this study, we developed the validation method of (+)-pseudoephedrine and (-)-ephedrine, two major ephedra alkaloids in Ephedra spp., by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet spectrometer (HPLC-UV). HPLC analysis was performed using a HECTOR-M C18 column operating at $35^{\circ}C$, and UV detection at 215nm. The mobile phase used a gradient flow with 25 mM SDS in water (A) and acetonitrile (B).

• CELLMED
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.2.1-2.5
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• 2013

Ephedra and ephedra alkaloids are sympathomimetic compounds extracted from the genus Ephedra. They have been used to treat colds and provide cough relief for centuries in oriental medicine. Recently, it has been reported that Ephedra plays a crucial role in weight loss and the enhancement of athletic performances. However, the overuse of Ephedra causes cardiovascular side effects such as increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and palpitations. Ephedra's adverse effects also were mentioned in Shan Han Lun, a famous formulary in traditional Chinese medicine. The present study demonstrated Ephedra's effects and the deficiency of Yang due to the overuse of Ephedra.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.23-29
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• 2007

Background : Mahuang (Ephedra sinica) has been used widely to treat respiratory disease in traditional medicine for over thousands years. Mahuang preparations contain approximately $0.75{\sim}1%$ ephedrine alkaloids. Recently in North America, the Eephedra alkaloids has aroused a controversy due to its adverse effects in those using whole extracts as "dietary supplements" for weight loss or athletic performance enhancement. Objective : To discuss the need for clinical practice guidelines on the use of Mahuang. Results and Conclusion : It is widely assumed that Mahuang is one of the useful medicines and is safe for human body. Most of scientific literatures support that the safety of Mahuang prescription in common dosage. However, it has been claimed that there were some warnings and apprehensions about the harmfulness of Mahuang as dietary supplements. This article does not negate the fact that it is necessary to pay more attention for use of Mahuang in clinical situations. We assert that the establishment of clinical practice guideline on the use of Mahuang, which is based on scientific materials and consensus, is required in traditional medicine.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.188-196
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• 2006

Background: Ma-huang (Ephedra sinica) has been widely used to treat respiratory disease in oriental medicine for over a hundred years. Ma-huang preparations contain approximately 1.25% ephedrine alkaloids. Recently, the ephedra alkaloids have received much press lately due to adverse effects in those using whole extracts as 'dietary supplements' for weight loss or athletic performance enhancement, and these reports are troubling given the increasing use of Ma-huang by the general public. The purpose of this report is to determine the proper dosage to minimize adverse effects and maximize the potential curative value. Objectives : The object of this study was to find an effective yet low risk dosage of Ma-huang. Methods : The study was designed as a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. The subjects of this study were 26 adults between 20 to 40 of age who agreed to participate in this study. They were allocated through randomization into three groups. Each group took three opaque capsules three times a day. A group (N=9) took one Ma-huang capsule and two placebo capsules, B group (N=8) took two Ma-huang capsules and one placebo capsule, C group (N=9) took three Ma-huang capsules. The total trial periods was two days. To compare the adverse effects of Ma-huang according to dosage, blood pressure and pulse were checked, and other adverse effects were assessed using a morning questionnaire, patient's global assessment scale and Wong-Baker faces pain rating. Results : The following result were obtained: 1. After taking 18 g of Ma-huang per day, pulse rate had a significant increase. 2. After taking more than 6 g of Ma-huang per day, palpitation would be increased significantly. 3. After taking more than 18 g of Ma-huang per day, tiredness would be increased significantly. Conclusion: According to the results, 12 g of Ma-huang per day will minimize adverse effects and maximize the potential curative value.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2007

Background : Use of Ma Huang is controversial. Multiple reports of adverse effects led the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to announce about prohibiting dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids/Ma Huang. Objective : The objective of the study was to review the evidence from literature and rigorous clinical trials on the dosage, effectiveness, and adverse effects. Methods : Literature searches were conducted in U.S. FDA database after 2003 and digital Uibujeonok(醫部全錄). Hand searches of medical journal and bibliographies of identified articles were conducted. Results : Ma Huang has been used in Korean Oriental Medicine to treatment asthma and other ailments. Recently, Ephedrine/Ma Huang are used for weight loss or to enhance athletic performance in Europe and America, Korea. Ephedrine/Ma Huang are associated with increased risk of psychiatric, autonomic, or gastrointestinal symptoms, and heart palpitations. In addition to that, a risk of serious adverse events, including heart attack, stroke, epilepsy and psychiatric problem are also have been reported. Therefore, max dose of total alkaloids of ephedrine is studied in need of a specialist's part. Conclusion : In most reports, Ma Huang effectively promoted short-term weight loss and enhancement of athletic performance, But, safety with long-term use requires further investigation.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.74-80
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• 2001

Objectives : Ma-huang is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, derived from Ephedra sinica Stapf and other Ephedra species, used to treat asthma, nose and lung congestion, and fever with anhidrosis. It contains 0.5-2.5% by weight of total alkaloids, of which ephedrine accounts for 30 to 90%. Recently, Ma-huang has been used as a source of ephedrine in many dietary supplements formulated for the treatment of obesity, since ephedrine has been found to be effective in inducing weight loss in the obese. In this study the effects of the methanol extract of Ma-huang on the adipocyte of epididymal and brown fat pads in rats fed a high fat diet for six weeks were studied. Methods : Male Sprague Dawley rats weighing an average 94g (4 weeks old) were fed either a regular diet (RE) or a high fat diet (HF), and the HF group was subdivided into a Ma-huang methanol extract (30mg/100g body weight) group (HF+MH). The weight of epididymal fat pad and brown adipose tissue were measured. The cell size and cell number per unit area of epididymal fat pad were investigated. Results : The yield weight of methanol extract of Ma-huang was 3.63mg per l00g of Ma-huang. The body weight gain of the HF group was similar with that of the HF+ MH but higher than that of the RE. The weights of the epididymal fat pads and brown adipose tissue of the RE group were lower than those of HF and HF+MH groups. The cell sizes and numbers per unit area of epididymal fat pads of the RE and HF+MH groups were larger than those of HF group. The cell numbers per unit area size of epididymal fat pads were the smallest in the RE group. Conclusions : It could be concluded that the Ma-huang extract has no effect on the epididymal fat pads in rats fed a high fat diet and the clinical application of Ma-huang for the treatment of obesity should be re-considered.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.17-27
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• 2006

Objectives : Ma-huang (Ephedra sinica) is frequently prescribed for obesity management in oriental medicine. The main component is ephedrine alkaloids which can have serious adverse side effects such as heart attack, stroke, sudden death. There are no scientific guidelines for Ma-huang usage in the safe treatment of obesity in oriental medicine. We reviewed published studies on its safety to make evidence based guidelines. Methods : We searched electronic databases up to May 2006. We limited evidence to controlled trials for efficacy or safety, case reports for safety, and studies for Ma-huang contents analysis. Results and Conclusions : In clinical trials for weight loss, Ma-huang and ephedrine promote modest short-term weight loss but have no serious adverse effects, have only a few adverse effects associated with increased risk of psychiatric, autonomic, gastrointestinal symptoms and heart palpitations. In case reports, there have been serious adverse effects including stroke, heart attack, and death using typical doses of ephedrine or no associated illness. There are factors related to serious adverse effects, such as overuse, lack of standardization, individual sensitivity, and interactions with other drugs. Studies relating to these factors should be analyzed for safe use of Ma-huang and ephedrine. After analyzing related studies, we suggest guidelines for Ma-huang usage. We propose that the dosage should be within 4.5-7.5g per day for up to 6 months for generally healthy individual. It's use is contraindicated in individuals with heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, psychiatric disorders, glaucoma, urination disorders, enlarged prostate, persons using MAOIs, methyldopa and sympathomimetic agents.