Effects of Ephedrine

Ephedrine is the extract and main active ingredient of ephedra. Not many friends are familiar with ephedrine, but many friends know ephedra. Ephedra is a plant with a very long cultivation history in my country. It is widely distributed in various regions of my country and has high medicinal and economic value. So what are the effects of ephedrine?

The effects of ephedrine are mainly used to treat lung diseases and allergic diseases. Ephedrine can increase the excitability of the central nervous system and can be used to make stimulants. Ephedrine also has analgesic effects and is one of the medicinal ingredients in painkillers.

Ephedrine can directly stimulate adrenaline receptors, and can also indirectly stimulate adrenaline receptors by prompting adrenaline nerve endings to release norepinephrine. It has a stimulating effect on both α and β receptors. It has the following functions:

1. Cardiovascular system: causes the blood vessels of the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs to contract, reducing blood flow; the coronary arteries and cerebral blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow. Blood pressure rises and pulse pressure increases after taking the medicine. It increases cardiac contractility and cardiac output. Because the increase in blood pressure reflexively excites the vagus nerve, the heart rate remains unchanged or slightly slows down.

2. Bronchus: Relaxes bronchial smooth muscles. Its α effect can also cause bronchial mucosal blood vessels to contract, reduce congestion and edema, and help improve small airway obstruction. However, long-term use may lead to excessive contraction of mucosal blood vessels, increased capillary pressure, and aggravation of congestion and edema. In addition, the α effect can aggravate bronchial smooth muscle spasm.

3. Central nervous system: Excites the cerebral cortex and subcortical centers, causing mental excitement, insomnia, restlessness and tremors, etc. Effects on the central nervous system: The central nervous system stimulant effect of ephedrine is much stronger than that of adrenaline. It can excite the cerebral cortex and subcortical centers, and lift the spirits.

As early as in ancient my country, people have begun to use ephedra to treat pain. Ephedrine can also treat bronchial asthma, hypotension and other diseases, but if used in large doses, it can cause abnormal excitement of the central nervous system, insomnia, etc. Ephedrine also plays a good auxiliary therapeutic role in some major diseases.