Definition

Noun 1. A species of plant: Ephedra sinica is a specific species of shrub in the genus Ephedra, native to Central Asia and Mongolia. It is a source of the alkaloid ephedrine. 2. A medicinal herb: The plant is traditionally used in herbal medicine, particularly within traditional Chinese medicine, where it is known as ma huang.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ephedra sinica has been used for centuries in traditional remedies.
  • The primary active compound in Ephedra sinica is ephedrine.
  • Harvesting Ephedra sinica requires care to ensure sustainability.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical/medical context: The term is used precisely to refer to this specific species, distinguishing it from other plants in the genus (e.g., , ).
  • The study focused on the ephedrine content specifically in Ephedra sinica samples.

Variants and Related Words

• Ma huang (n): The traditional Chinese name for and related species used medicinally.
  • Ma huang is the pinyin transliteration for the herb known as Ephedra sinica.
• Ephedra (n): The genus of plants to which belongs.
  • Several species of ephedra grow in arid regions.
• Ephedrine (n): The stimulant alkaloid chemically extracted from plants like .
  • Ephedrine is used in some decongestant medications.

Synonyms

• Chinese ephedra: A common English name for the plant.
• Ma huang: The traditional Chinese medicinal name.

Notes on Meaning

• The term is highly specific to botany and pharmacology. In general conversation, it is often referred to more broadly as "ephedra" or by its traditional name "ma huang." The "sinica" in its name indicates its historical association with China.

Noun

1. Chinese ephedra yielding ephedrine