Abstract Recent polyploidy in gymnosperms is unusually scarce being present only 9.80 % of the 714 taxa studied cytologically. Polyploid forms are represented by sporadic seedlings and individual trees, intraspecific cultivation or wild entirely polyploid species genera. Polyploidy shows a non-random distribution different genera mostly prevalent Ephedra Juniperus , besides classic examples Seq...

Ephedra is an amphetamine-like compound with a potent sympathomimetic effect. Ephedrine, its active component, is widely used for weight loss, to enhance athletic performance or as component of some drugs. Its cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, increased inotropy, arterial vasoconstriction and hypertension, and these are the effects for which it is used therapeutically. However, it can...