1. A genus of shrubby plants native to arid regions, some species of which contain alkaloids used in medicine and supplements.
Usage: Often used in botanical and pharmaceutical contexts; The plant is also called ma huang in traditional Chinese medicine
2. An alkaloid drug derived from ephedra plants, formerly used as a decongestant and stimulant in over-the-counter medications.
Usage: Ephedrine is the active compound; ephedra refers to the plant source; Banned or restricted in many countries due to health risks

Examples

• Ephedra plants thrive in desert climates with minimal rainfall.
• Traditional Chinese medicine has used ephedra for thousands of years.
• The FDA removed ephedra-containing supplements from the market in 2004 due to safety concerns.
• Ephedra species are characterized by their jointed, nearly leafless stems.
• Athletes were once drawn to ephedra supplements for their stimulant effects.
• Botanists study ephedra to understand plant adaptation to extreme environments.