This document summarizes information about the biological source and properties of ephedrine. Ephedrine is a chemical contained in ephedra plants that raises blood pressure and heart rate and opens airways. It is derived from several Ephedra species, which are evergreen shrubs traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat respiratory issues. While ephedrine was once commonly used in dietary supplements, various organizations have banned its use due to safety concerns. The document further details the cultivation, extraction, and biosynthesis of ephedrine.

2. Presented to:
sir saad ullah khan
Presented by:
Iqra (617)
M.phill Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry

3. Biological Evaluation Of Plant
Derived Molecule

5. Ephedrine is a chemical contained in the ephedra herb. Its chemical
properties raise blood pressure and heart rate and open up the large air
passages in the lungs.
Biological Source
Ephedra consists of the dried aerial parts of
• Ephedra gerardiana,
• Ephedra sinica,
• Ephedra equisetina and other Ephedra species.
Family:
belonging to family Ephadreaceae.

6. History
Traditionally, the Chinese have used ephedra to treat asthma and other
respiratory problems. Although ephedra is presumed “safe” under the
Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, the
International Olympic Committee, the National Football League, the
National Collegiate Athletic Association, and the U.S. Armed Forces
have banned products containing ephedra. The controversy over
whether ephedra-containing products effectively and safely promote
weight loss and improve athletic performance is ongoing.
Ephedra grass is grown and cultivated in many parts of China and India
on government-owned farms. China is the world’s largest exporter of
bulk ephedrine6. Due to its dangerous effects, the FDA has placed
many restrictions on the production of ephedra. Warnings are required
on supplement pill labels, cautioning that the product should not be
used consistently for more than seven days.

7. Cultivation and Collection
It is an evergreen shrub growing to 0.6 m by 2 m.
The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium
(loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The
plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline)
soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry
or moist soil and can tolerate drought. Seeds are
sown as soon as they are ripe in the autumn in a
greenhouse. It can also be sown in spring in a
greenhouse in sandy compost. Seedlings are
transferred into individual pots as soon as they
are large enough to handle and grown them for
at least their first winter in a greenhouse.
Drug is collected in autumn since it contains
maximum percentage of alkaloids. Green slender
twigs are collected in autumn, dried and packed
loose in bags. Sometimes the twigs are pressed
tightly.

8. Extraction

9. Biosynthesis of ephedrine
Biosynthesis of ephedrine by ephedra begins with L-phenylalanine
(Phe).
Phenylalanine is the initial precursor of ephedrine and
pseudoephedrine and catalyzed by phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL)

10.  phenylalanine first forms cinnamoyl-CoA via the enzymes phenylalanine
ammonia-lyaseandacylCoAligase.
Phenylalanine Cinnamoyl CoA

11.  The cinnamoyl-CoA is then reacted with a hydratase to attach the alcohol functional
group.Theproductisthenreactedwitharetro-aldolase,formingbenzaldehyde
benzaldehyde
Cinnamoyl-CoA

12.  Benzaldehydeundergodehydrogenasetoformbenzoicacid.Afterundergoing
condensationwithpyruvate toform1-phenylpropane-1,2-dionethisreactioncatalyzed
byaThDP-dependentcarboligase.Transaminationof1-Phenylpropane-1,2-dione
yieldscathinone.
pyruvate
Co2

13.  Thencathinoneisreducedtonorephedrine.Intheend,N-Methylationtoform
ephedrine.
Cathinone