The alkaloids ephedrine and pseudo-ephedrine were isolated by Nagai (1) and Merck (2), respectively, from Ephedra vulgaris. The Chinese drug Ma-huang, variously identified as Ephedra vulgaris, Rich. Anavar (var). helvetica, Hk. et Thoms.(3), Ephedra equisetina, Bge.(4), has been recently studied...