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Ephedra (plant)

Ephedra

Ephedra is a traditional plant used in various Eastern medical practices, particularly in Chinese and Tibetan medicine. Traditionally, it has been employed for its purported effects on respiratory conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis, though specific uses vary across traditions. Scientific evidence regarding Ephedra's effectiveness is limited; one study found that an herbal medicine containing Ephedra Herba showed potential in weight loss among overweight and obese children based on cost-effectiveness ratios from Korean institutions. Another study highlighted the use of a multi-component pharmacopuncture formulation derived from Ephedra, which demonstrated possible benefits in liver injury modulation through inflammation and mitochondrial quality control pathways. Additionally, research has explored its pharmacology and neurotoxicity, noting complex effects on the central nervous system. Notably, no major safety issues or significant drug interactions have been recorded for Ephedra to date.

At a glance
Best evidence
A
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • The average cost-effectiveness ratios of herbal medicines, including Ephedra Herba, for weight loss in overweight and obese children were calculated based on medical records from Korean institutions. D PMID
  • A multi-component pharmacopuncture formulation showed potential in modulating multiple biological processes related to liver injury, including inflammation and mitochondrial quality control. D PMID
  • Wutou Decoction significantly inhibited the hypoxia-induced invasive phenotype of fibroblast-like synoviocytes by targeting the Notch signaling pathway in both in vivo and in vitro models. D PMID
  • The study reviews Ephedra's pharmacology and neurotoxicity, highlighting its complex effects on the central nervous system. D PMID
  • A network meta-analysis suggested that adding oral traditional Chinese medicine containing Astragalus to Western medicine treatment may improve various aspects of heart failure management, but more high-quality studies are needed. A PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Ephedra (plant)?

Ephedra (plant) (Ephedra) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Ephedra (plant)?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Ephedra (plant); the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: The average cost-effectiveness ratios of herbal medicines, including Ephedra Herba, for weight loss in overweight and obese children were calculated based on medical records from Korean institutions.

How strong is the evidence for Ephedra (plant)?

The strongest finding for Ephedra (plant) carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Ephedra (plant) safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Ephedra (plant) in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Ephedra (plant) interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Ephedra (plant) in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Ephedra (plant)?

Ephedra (plant) is also known as: хвойник.

Is Ephedra (plant) a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Wutou decoction ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis through inhibiting hypoxia-induced invasive phenotype of fibroblast-like synoviocytes mediated by the Notch pathway. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Network Pharmacology Analysis Reveals Multi-Target Hepatoprotective Mechanisms of a Multi-Component Pharmacopuncture Against Ephedra-Associated Liver Injury with Implications for Mitochondrial Quality Control. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 The clinical efficacy of Astragalus-containing Chinese patent medicines in the effective treatment of heart failure: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 A cost-effectiveness analysis of herbal medicine for overweight and obese children. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Ephedrae Herba and Ephedrine on Nervous System: A Comprehensive Review of Pharmacology and Neurotoxicity. literature abstract metadata

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