1288
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
OCTOBER, 1928
Synthetic Ephedrine Compared to Natural. Synthetic ephedrine has little difference in action from the natural product made from the Chinese herb Ma Huang, announced Dr. K. K. Chen of the Johns Hopkins University, a t the recent meeting of the American Pharmaceutical Association a t Portland, Me. Dr. Chen reported the results of investigations on this drug which is used extensively to:relieve hay fever and asthma, t o dilate the pupils of the eyes before examination, and t o contract congested membranes of the nose. Qualitative and quantitative . tests indicate that the two drugs have almost the same properties. I n the treatment of asthma, the synthetic drua- appears t o have a weaker action than the natural. I n the effect on the membranes of the nose the two products are similar.-Science Semice ~~
