Ephedrae Herba (Ephedra / Ma Huang)

Ephedrae Herba from Pakistan

Ephedra is a genus of gymnosperm shrubs found in arid and semi-arid highland regions worldwide. The dried green aerial stems have been used in traditional Chinese medicine as Ma Huang for over 5,000 years. In modern pharmacology, Ephedra is the natural source of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine alkaloids, which are extracted by pharmaceutical companies and used as active ingredients in registered medications for nasal congestion, bronchospasm, asthma, and hypotension. Pakistan’s highland regions host large wild populations of Ephedra intermedia and Ephedra gerardiana, growing naturally on rocky slopes, dry riverbeds, and barren hillsides between 1,500 and 4,000 metres elevation.

Specifications

• Botanical Name: Ephedra intermedia (primary), Ephedra gerardiana

• Common Names: Ephedra, Ma Huang, Amsania (Balochi), Soam (Pashto)

• Plant Part: Dried aerial stems and branches (green, jointed)

• Total Alkaloid Content: 0.8-2.0% (species, altitude, and season-dependent)

• Ephedrine: 0.5-1.5%

• Pseudoephedrine: 0.2-0.8%

• Moisture: < 12%

• Ash: < 8%

• Acid-Insoluble Ash: < 3%

• Foreign Matter: < 2%

• Stem Length: 2-5 cm (cut), whole stems available

• Colour: Green to olive-green (fresh harvest), yellow-green (aged)

• Odour: Mild, herbaceous

• Harvest Season: June-September (peak alkaloid content)

• Source: 100% wild-harvested (not cultivated)

Available Forms

• Whole dried stems (natural length, bundled)

• Cut stems: 2-5 cm standard cut

• Coarse powder: for extraction processing

• Baled herb: compressed bales for bulk shipment

Industrial Uses

• Pharmaceutical alkaloid extraction: The primary commercial use of Ephedra herb globally. Pharmaceutical companies extract ephedrine and pseudoephedrine from the dried herb using acid-water extraction, purification, and crystallisation. These alkaloids are Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) used in registered over-the-counter and prescription medications

• Cold and flu medications: Pseudoephedrine extracted from Ephedra is the active decongestant ingredient in major cold and flu medications worldwide. It relieves nasal and sinus congestion by reducing swelling of the nasal mucosa

• Bronchodilator and asthma medications: Ephedrine is used in bronchodilator medications for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), relaxing bronchial smooth muscle to improve airflow

• Hypotension treatment: Ephedrine injection is used in hospital settings to treat acute hypotension (low blood pressure), particularly during spinal anaesthesia

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Ephedrae Herba (Ma Huang) is one of the most important herbs in the TCM pharmacopoeia. It is used in classical formulations for wind-cold conditions, asthma, nasal congestion, and oedema

• Herbal and dietary supplement industry: Ephedra herb is used in herbal teas, traditional remedies, and herbal formulations in markets where its use is permitted under herbal medicine regulations

• Veterinary medicine: Ephedrine-based formulations are used in veterinary practice for bronchodilation and blood pressure support in animals

Regulatory Note

Ephedra and its alkaloids (ephedrine, pseudoephedrine) are regulated substances in many countries due to their classification as precursor chemicals. Import, export, and trade require compliance with national pharmaceutical and precursor chemical regulations in both the exporting and importing countries. DaaTrade ensures all Ephedra exports comply with Pakistan’s regulatory framework and assists buyers with export documentation. Buyers are responsible for securing import permits and regulatory approvals in their destination country before placing an order.

Quality Assurance

Each lot includes a Certificate of Analysis reporting total alkaloid content (ephedrine + pseudoephedrine by HPLC), moisture, ash, acid-insoluble ash, foreign matter, heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Hg), pesticide residues, and microbiological parameters (TPC, yeast and mould, E. coli, Salmonella). Testing follows pharmacopoeial methods (Chinese Pharmacopoeia, European Pharmacopoeia, or USP as applicable). Pre-shipment samples are provided for buyer’s laboratory verification. Third-party inspection (SGS, Intertek, or equivalent) can be arranged.