(ĕf-ĕd'ră )

An herbal remedy derived from an East Asian plant (Ephedra sinica) promoted as a dietary aid, energy booster, and asthma treatment. SYN: ma huang.

Its use has been associated in some patients with heart attack, stroke, arrhythmias, and emergency room visits for chest pain. The sale and use of ephedra has been banned in the U.S.