Ephedrine

Ephedrine is commonly used as a stimulant, appetite suppressant, concentration aid, decongestant. Chemically, it is an alkaloid derived from various plants. Ephedrine is sympathomimetic amine similar in structure to the synthetic derivatives amphetamine and methamphetamine. Ephedrine's principal mechanism of action relies on the indirect action on the adrenergic receptor system, which is part of the sympathetic nervous system or SNS. Ephedrine may have weak agonist activity at alpha and beta adrenergic receptors; the principal mechanism is to cause norepinephrine release from presynaptic neurons.