From owner-metabolic-reg@net.bio.net Mon May 09 23:00:00 1994
Path: biosci!ATHE.WUSTL.EDU!toni
From: toni@ATHE.WUSTL.EDU (Toni Kazic)
Newsgroups: bionet.metabolic-reg
Subject: Re: Ma Huang
Date: 10 May 1994 09:18:45 -0700
Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology
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Ma Huang is the Chinese word for ephedra, an herb prepared by drying Ephedra spp. leaves,
and the source of ephedrine.  The latter, of course, has been subjected to numerous
modifications and is sold as a decongestant (pseudo-ephedrine, aka pseudephedrine, aka
sudafed).  Both the herb and the purified compounds are stimulants (indeed, in the
American west the herb was called Mormon tea).  It is my impression that ephedra and the
ephidrine derivatives are commonly incorporated in over-the-counter diet pills and teas; I
sincerely doubt that there is any consumer protection afforded, and like any drug, you use
it at your own risk.  Any good herbal should tell you more.


Toni Kazic

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