Mendeley  

Zotero  

Haidari A S, Amiry G Y. Investigation of Alkaloid Compounds and Therapeutic Properties of the Ephedra Plant. KJMS 2025; 10 (19) :10-20
URL: http://kjms.knu.edu.af/article-1-69-en.html

Ephedra, one of the medicinal plants with a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, has been employed as a natural remedy for a wide range of diseases. For thousands of years, Ephedra has been recognized as an effective treatment for respiratory problems, inflammation, fever, headaches, and certain neurological disorders. The most important active compound in this plant is an alkaloid called ephedrine, which specifically acts as a stimulant for the central nervous system. This compound increases energy levels, suppresses appetite, dilates the respiratory passages, and enhances focus and wakefulness. In addition, Ephedra is also used in certain anti-asthmatic and nasal decongestant medications. Ephedra further exhibits anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, and recent scientific studies are investigating its potential in the treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and metabolic disorders. However, unsupervised or excessive consumption of Ephedra can lead to serious side effects, including high blood pressure, heart palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, and even heart attack. For this reason, in many countries, including the United States, the sale of dietary supplements containing Ephedra has been banned. Nevertheless, its controlled and clinical use under medical supervision remains permissible in specific therapeutic conditions. The purpose of this article is to examine the chemical constituents and medicinal properties of Ephedra in order to provide a clear scientific perspective on this plant. This research can contribute to advancing scientific knowledge, optimizing the medical application of Ephedra, and clarifying the safety considerations associated with its use.