ma hoàng
Definition
Noun (Botany):
- Ephedra: A genus of low-growing, leafless shrubs native to Central Asia and other arid regions, known for containing the alkaloid ephedrine.
- Mahuang: The traditional Chinese medicine name for plants of the Ephedra genus, used for millennia to treat asthma, hay fever, and the common cold.
Noun (Traditional Medicine):
- Herb: The dried stems of the ephedra plant, used as a potent medicinal herb in various traditional practices to relieve respiratory issues and promote sweating.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Ma hoàng là một vị thuốc quan trọng trong Đông y. (Ephedra is an important herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine.)
- Các nhà khoa học nghiên cứu chất ephedrine chiết xuất từ cây ma hoàng. (Scientists study ephedrine extracted from the ephedra plant.)
Advanced Usage
- In pharmacological contexts, "ma hoàng" specifically refers to the source plant for the stimulant compounds ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.
- Việc sử dụng ma hoàng cần có sự giám sát y tế do tác dụng mạnh. (The use of ephedra requires medical supervision due to its potent effects.)
Variants and Related Words
- Ephedra sinica (n): The most common species of ephedra used in medicine.
- Ephedrine (n): The primary active alkaloid found in ma hoàng, used as a decongestant and stimulant.
Synonyms
- Ephedra
- Mahuang
- Joint fir (a common name for plants in the Ephedra genus)
Important Note
- Due to its potent stimulant effects, the use of ma hoàng (ephedra) is restricted or banned in many countries for dietary supplements, though it may still be used in prescribed pharmaceuticals.