What are the effects of ephedrine and what are the benefits of ephedrine to the human body?

When it comes to ephedrine, many friends may not be very familiar with it, but when it comes to ephedra, very few people don't know it. The plant Ephedra has a very long history in my country and is grown in many areas of the country. It is currently exported in large quantities overseas due to its high medicinal value. The main ingredient in ephedra is ephedrine. Ephedrine has many functions, but if it is used excessively, it will produce side effects.

The effect of ephedrine is very obvious in some lung diseases and allergic diseases. Because it has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, it can be used as a painkiller and stimulant. Let’s take a look at the specific effects of ephedrine.

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 medication. 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.

In ancient my country, ephedrine was often used as an analgesic. However, because it often causes patients to become mentally excited, suffer from insomnia, stroke, etc., other drugs have been used instead in modern society. However, ephedrine still plays an irreplaceable and important role in the auxiliary treatment of some serious diseases.