Compound Affecting Ephedra Efficacy Of Multiple Factors Play

Objective:To research on various factors that can influence the efficacy of Ephedra in compound formulae.To analyze the regulating skills of fully functioning of Ephedra.To explain clearly the mechanism action of Ephedra's compatibility structure which is commonly used.And also to reveal the basic law of "Formula and herbs co-prosperity".Methods:Firstly,collecting ephedra-containing formula from "Zhonghua Refined Prescription Dictionary".The data of 579 formulae with ephedra were inputted in Micro-Excel.Secondly,by statistical methods of classification,we discussed the effects on ephedra's efficacy by those regulating factors,including compatibility,dosage,medicinal parts,processing,usage and dosage form.Eventually,after the detailed study on the source of herbs and Chinese medicine,the basic law of "Formula and herbs co-prosperity" were concluded.Results:The 6 leading categories of Chinese herbs are as follows:diaphoretic drugs, drugs of resolving sputum and soothing asthma,Qi-tonifying drugs,heat-clearing drugs, interior-warming drugs and drugs of activating blood circulation;The usual compatible structure of Ephedra are as follows:Ephedra with Guizhi(cinnamon twig),with Xixin (asarum),with Qianghuo(notopterygium),with Xinren(apricot kernel),with Shigao (gypsum),with Baizhu(ovate atractylodes),with Fuzi(aconite),etc.Stir-baked Ephedra has the excellent effects of dispersing Lung to arrest cough,while the raw one is good at expelling wind,reducing edema by diuresis and activating Yang to remove stagnation.Ephedra that is pounded can make its effects milder than before;Ephedra in small dose has the effects of activating Yang to remove stagnation,in middle dose is good at dispersing Lung and soothing asthma,in high dose functions as reducing edema and as expelling wind;Ephedra root and section act as arresting sweat,the stem specializes in expelling wind.However,the effects of both expelling wind and soothing asthma can be covered if the stem and section of Ephedra are applied together.Diaphoresis of Ephedra becomes more powerful if the formula with Ephedra can be administrated in accordance with scallion and ginger,or together with other aiding methods,such as bath and covering quilt,etc.Conclusion:The compatibility is the key point of all the factors influencing the efficacy exertion of Ephedra.What's more,other factors including compatibility,dosage, medicinal parts and so on are also influential in it.Therefore,the efficacy exertion of Ephedra in compound formulae is influenced by all the factors we mentioned above."Formula and herbs co-prosperity" is the basic law in the development of TCM.To know how to regulate the efficacy exertion of herbs plays an important role in clinics and TCM education.