View source for Ephedra sinica

{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = ''Ephedra''
| image = Ephedra sinica.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| image_caption = ''Ephedra sinica''
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Gnetophyta]]
| classis = [[Gnetophyta|Gnetopsida]]
| ordo = [[Ephedrales]]
| familia = [[Ephedraceae]]
| genus = [[Ephedra (genus)|Ephedra]]
| genus_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
| species = '''''E. sinica'''''
| binomial = ''Ephedra sinica''
}}

'''''Ephedra sinica''''' is a member of the [[ephedraceae]] family, native to [[China]]. It is also known as "Chinese Ephedra", ''Ma Huang'', and "ephedra".

==Ethnomedical uses==

*Dried [[aerial]] parts are used to treat [[asthma]], allergic [[rhinitis]], upper respiratory infection, colds, and as a general [[stimulant]].

==Legality==

As of April 21<sup>st</sup>, 2006, the FDA's decision to ban nutritional/diet supplements from containing the plant or extracts thereof of ''ephedra'' was upheld by the [[Tenth Circuit]] courts. 

U.S. federal congress is currently discussing the scheduling of pseudoephedrine into [[Schedule V]]. Jan 2005. The bill created in Congress is S 103, Jan 24, 2005.

==References==
*http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ephedra/NS_patient-ephedra
*http://www.fda.gov/oc/initiatives/ephedra/february2004/
*http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/Organizations/DDIL/ephedrine.html
*http://data.opi.state.mt.us/bills/mca/50/32/50-32-229.htm

==See Also==
*[[Ephedrine]]

[[Category:Gnetophyta]]