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Updated: Oct 2, 2025

Preparation of Herbal Medicine: Er-Xian Decoction and Er-Xian-containing Serum for In Vivo and In Vitro Experiments
Published on: May 31, 2017
The position of Ephedrae herba in the Western medicine
Andrea László1, Szabolcs Béni2, János Nemcsik3,4
11 Norisana - MVZ Rosenau D-90480 Nürnberg, Bingstraße 8 Germany.
Abstract:
The Hungarian and the European Society of Hypertension guidelines mention Ephedrae herba, the drug of Ephedra species (in Chinese "Mahuang") as one of the causes of secondary hypertension. The aim of our summary is to characterize the Ephedra species used in medicine (based on the VIII. Hungarian and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia), describe their history and their components alongside with possible pharmacological effects, benefits, side-effects, and interactions with other drugs. We demonstrate the herb's history from being a popular weight-loss product to being prohibited as a dietary supplement and citing it in the World Anti-Doping Agency's list. At the same time, we explain the role of the Ephedra species in the everyday medical practice. It is important to know their benefits in detail as used in combination with other herbs in phytotherapy, and recognize their possible side effects. Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(9): 343-349.
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