Ephedra sinica

Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang) is not consumed as a nutritional food source; its profile is defined by pharmacologically active alkaloids rather than conventional macronutrients or micronutrients. Total ephedrine alkaloid content ranges from 0.5–3.4% by dry weight of the aerial stems, with the primary bioactive compounds including: ephedrine (the dominant alkaloid, typically 30–90% of total alkaloid fraction, approximately 0.5–2.5% dry weight), pseudoephedrine (10–30% of alkaloid fraction, approximately 0.1–0.8% dry weight), norephedrine, norpseudoephedrine, methylephedrine, and methylpseudoephedrine in smaller quantities (<0.1% each). Tannins are present at approximately 8–10% dry weight, contributing astringent properties. Flavonoids including herbacetin, quercetin, and kaempferol glycosides are present at roughly 0.5–1.2% dry weight. Catechins and proanthocyanidins contribute to the polyphenol pool. Volatile oils are present at approximately 0.1–0.2%. Conventional macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) are not clinically relevant at therapeutic doses, which typically range from 15–30 mg total alkaloids per dose. Bioavailability of ephedrine is high via oral route, with peak plasma concentration reached within 1–2 hours and half-life of approximately 3–6 hours. Alkaloid concentration varies significantly by plant part (stems > roots > leaves), geographic origin, harvest season, and preparation method.