Reaction: (–)-ephedrine + NAD+ = (R)-2-methylimino-1-phenylpropan-1-ol + NADH + H+
Systematic name: (–)-ephedrine:NAD+ 2-oxidoreductase
Comments: The product immediately hydrolyses to methylamine and 1-hydroxy-1-phenylpropan-2-one. Acts on a number of related compounds including (–)-sympatol, (+)-pseudoephedrine and (+)-norephedrine.
Links to other databases: BRENDA, EXPASY, KEGG, Metacyc, CAS registry number: 73508-06-2
References:
1. Klamann, E. and Lingens, F. Degradation of (–)-ephedrine by Pseudomonas putida. Detection of (–)-ephedrine: NAD+-oxidoreductase from Arthrobacter globiformis. Z. Naturforsch. C: Biosci. 35 (1980) 80-87. [PMID: 7405363]