Ephedra (Ephedra)

　Ephedra (Ephedra) is an herbal medicine and is also called "maou". According to the Japanese Pharmacopoeia's commentary, dry ground stems such as Ephedra. Sinica, Imaou (Ephedra. Intermedia), and Kidachi Maou (Ephedra. Equisetina) of the genus Maou (Ephedra. Equisetina) of the genus Maou (Ephedra. Equisetina) are the crude drugs. The Chinese name is written in kanji as "mahuang" (ma huang) and transliterated. The Japanese name is also written in kanji as "ma-yo".

　"Maou" as a crude drug is used as a medicine for coughing and sputum, and is also contained in cold medicine in Chinese medicine such as Maouto and Kakonto. The main ingredient of "Maou" is ephedolin, and other includes psoid ephedolin, methyl ephedolin, etc.

　In Japan, "Maou" and its main ingredient ephedolin can not be used for anything other than pharmaceuticals, but in 2002 the United States had a restricted usage content, but it could be used for health foods and was used by many people on diet. ※。
※Currently, Ephedra is banned from selling in the United States.

　Efedolin is a sympathetic agent, when taken, the bronchi expands and increases blood pressure. The drug "Efedolin hydrochloride" is used as a bronchodilator, antitussis, and anti-compressant during asthma. Other effects include anorexia, increased heart rate, increased body temperature, sweating, etc. It is probable that traders have noticed these effects and used Ephedra for diet foods. Ephedra (Maou) is an important medicine with an old history in Chinese herbal medicine. However, I think it's very scary that Ephedra is being distributed in a way that is not a cure for illness.