A Comprehensive Review of Ephedrine Analogues: Varieties, Abuse and Synthesis Methodologies

Ephedrine analogues include ephedrine and its derivatives, which can be categorized into natural and synthetic types depending on their sources. Natural analogues primarily originate from Ephedra plants such as ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, norephedrine, norpseudoephedrine, methylephedrine and methylpseudoephedrine. Synthetic analogues are obtained through chemical modifications to achieve specific purposes. The review delves into the abuse issues and potential hazards associated with ephedrine analogues, introduces various methods ranging from traditional extraction techniques of ephedrine analogues to modern chemical and biosynthesis technologies. This aids researchers, regulatory bodies, and the public in better understanding the sources and applications of ephedrine and its analogues, providing an important reference for subsequent research and regulation of ephedrine analogues.