Review of Pharmacological Activity of Ephedra Gerardiana

  • Halima Nazar Department of Eastern Medicine, Jinnah University for Women Karachi, Pakistan
  • Azalfa Amar Department of Eastern Medicine, Jinnah University for Women Karachi, Pakistan
  • Mohmmad Younus Younus Dawakhana,Karachi, Pakistan
  • Ghazala Shaheen University College of Conventional Medicine, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur
  • Hafiz Muhammad Asif University College of Conventional Medicine, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur
  • Farah Zafar University College of Conventional Medicine, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur
  • Sultan Ayaz Department of Eastern Medicine, GC University, Faisalabad
DOI: https://doi.org/10.32350/sir.72.05
Keywords: botanical description, Ephedra gerardiana, Ma-huang, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, traditional uses

Abstract

Abstract Views: 30

Ephedra gerardiana (E. gerardiana,), commonly known as "Ma-huang," is a medicinal plant native to the Himalayan region. Historically, it has a long traditional use in various indigenous systems for medicinal purpose. The current review aims to summarize the present knowledge on the botanical description, phytochemistry, traditional uses, and pharmacological properties of E. gerardiana. This study was thoroughly based on previous literature and was conducted by using electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Relevant studies and recently published articles up till 2020 were included in this review. E. gerardiana is a small shrub-like plant characterized by jointed stems, scale-like leaves, and cylindrical cones. It belongs to the family Ephedraceae and is commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions. Phytochemical analysis has revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds in Ephedra gerardiana, including ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, norephedrine, and methyl ephedrine. These alkaloids are primarily responsible for their pharmacological activities. In traditional medicine, Ephedra gerardiana has been used for its bronchodilatory, diaphoretic, diuretic, and thermogenic properties. Additionally, it has been employed for the treatment of respiratory disorders, namely, asthma and nasal congestion, as a stimulant. Its bioactive alkaloids, particularly ephedrine, have been extensively studied for their potential therapeutic applications. However, caution should be exercised due to the potential side effects associated with ephedrine-containing products. Further research can explore its mechanisms of action, optimize dosage regimens, and investigate potential drug interactions to ensure its safe and effective use in clinical settings.

 

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Zhang B-M, Zhi-Bin W, Ping X, Qiu-Hong W, He B, Kuang H-X. Phytochemistry and pharmacology of genus Ephedra. Chin J Nat Med. 2018;16(11):811–828. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1875-5364(18)30123-7

González-Juárez DE, Escobedo-Moratilla A, Flores J, et al. A review of the Ephedra genus: distribution, ecology, ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties. Molecules. 2020;25(14):e3283. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25143283

Chaudhary MK, Misra A, Srivastava S. Evaluation of ephedrine content and identification of elite chemotype (s) of Ephedra gerardiana (Wall.) from Kashmir Himalayas. Proc National Acad Sci Ind Sec Biol Sci. 2020;90(4):833–841. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40011-019-01153-2

Kurosawa W, Kan T, Fukuyama T. Stereocontrolled total synthesis of (−)-ephedradine A (orantine). J Am Chem Soc. 2003;125(27):8112–8113. https://doi.org/10.1021/ja036011k

Zhu J, Hesse M. The spermine alkaloids of chaenorhinum minus. Planta Med. 1988;54(05):430–433. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-962490

Hikino H, Kiso Y, Ogata M, et al. Pharmacological actions of analogues of feruloylhistamine, an imidazole alkaloid of ephedra roots1. Planta Med. 1984;50(06):478–480. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-969777

Krizevski R, Bar E, Shalit O, Sitrit Y, Ben-Shabat S, Lewinsohn E. Composition and stereochemistry of ephedrine alkaloids accumulation in Ephedra sinica Stapf. Phytochemistry. 2010;71(8–9):895–903. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2010.03.019

Ballero M, Foddis C, Sanna C, et al. Pharmacological activities on Ephedra nebrodensis Tineo. Nat Product Res. 2010;24(12):1115–1124. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786410802680902

Groves RA, Hagel JM, Zhang Y, et al. Transcriptome profiling of khat (Catha edulis) and Ephedra sinica reveals gene candidates potentially involved in amphetamine-type alkaloid biosynthesis. PLoS One. 2015;10(3):e0119701. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0119701

Hikino H, Konno C, Takata H, Tamada M. Antiinflammatory principle of Ephedra herbs. Chem Pharmac Bull. 1980;28(10):2900–2904. https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.28.2900

Krizevski R, Bar E, Shalit O, et al. Benzaldehyde is a precursor of phenylpropylamino alkaloids as revealed by targeted metabolic profiling and comparative biochemical analyses in Ephedra spp. Phytochemistry. 2012;81:71–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2012.05.018

Zhang D, Deng A-J, Ma L, et al. Phenylpropanoids from the stems of Ephedra sinica. J Asian Nat Pro Res. 2016;18(3):260–267. https://doi.org/10.1080/10286020.2015.1070831

Starratt AN, Caveney S. Quinoline-2-carboxylic acids from Ephedra species. Phytochemistry. 1996;42(5):1477–1478. https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(96)00126-4

Nawwar M, Barakat H, Buddrust J, Linscheidt M. Alkaloidal, lignan and phenolic constituents of Ephedra alata. Phytochemistry. 1985;24(4):878–879. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84920-1

Tamada M, Endo K, Hikino H. Maokonine, hypertensive principle of Ephedra Roots1. Planta Medica. 1978;34(07):291–293. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0028-1097453

Zhao W, Deng A-J, Du G-H, Zhang J-L, Li Z-H, Qin H-L. Chemical constituents of the stems of Ephedra sinica. J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2009;11(2):168–171. https://doi.org/10.1080/10286020802573552

Khan IA, Abourashed EA. Leung's Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients: Used In Food, Drugs And Cosmetics. John Wiley & Sons; 2011.

Shuang-Man M, Zhang Q, Xiao-Bao B, Jin-Long C, Meng-Liang W. A review of the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Ephedra herb. Chinese journal of natural Medicines. 2020;18(5):321–344. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1875-5364(20)30040-6

Nawwar MA, El-Sissi HI, Barakat HH. Flavonoid constituents of Ephedra alata. Phytochemistry. 1984;23(12):2937–2939. https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(84)83045-9

Amakura Y, Yoshimura M, Yamakami S, et al. Characterization of phenolic constituents from Ephedra herb extract. Molecules. 2013;18(5):5326-5334. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules18055326

Pechini MP. Washington, DC: US patent and trademark office. US patent. 1967(3.330):697.

Bouchard NC, Howland MA, Greller HA, Hoffman RS, Nelson LS. Ischemic stroke associated with use of an ephedra-free dietary supplement containing synephrine. InMayo Clinic Proc. 2005;80(4):541–545. https://doi.org/10.4065/80.4.541

Cottiglia F, Bonsignore L, Casu L, et al. Phenolic constituents from Ephedra nebrodensis. Nat Product Res. 2005;19(2):117–123. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786410410001704714

Purev O, Pospíšil F, Motl O. Flavonoids from Ephedra sinica stapf. Collection Czechoslovak Chem Commun. 1988;53(12):3193–3196. https://doi.org/10.1135/cccc19883193

Porter PL, Wallace JW. C-glycosylflavones from species of Ephedra. Biochem Syst Ecol. 1988;16(3):261–262. https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(88)90003-8

Wallace JW. C‐Glycosylflavones in the gnetopsida: A preliminary report. Am J Botany. 1979;66(3):343–346. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1537-2197.1979.tb06233.x

Ohba S, Yoshida K, Kondo T. Swertisin dihydrate. Crystal Struc Commun. 2004;60(12):o893–o896. https://doi.org/10.1107/S0108270104028355

Hussein SA, Barakat HH, Nawar MA, Willuhn G. Flavonoids from Ephedra aphylla. Phytochemistry. 1997;45(7):1529–1532. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)00092-7

Friedrich H, Wiedemeyer H. Quantitative bestimmung der gerbstoffbildner und der gerbstoffe in ephedra helvetica. Planta Medica. 1976;30(07):223–231. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0028-1097722

Tao H, Wang L, Cui Z, Zhao D, Liu Y. Dimeric proanthocyanidins from the roots of ephedra sinica. Planta Med. 2008;74(15):1823–1825. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0028-1088321

Hikino H, Shimoyama N, Kasahara Y, Takahashi M, Konno C. Structures of mahuannin A and B, hypotensive principles of Ephedra roots. Heterocycles. 1982;19(8):1381–1384.

Tao H, Wang L, Cui Z. Study on chemical constituents of root of Ephedra sinica [J]. Chin Tradit Herb Drugs. 2010;41(4):533–536.

Zang X, Shang M, Xu F, et al. A-type proanthocyanidins from the stems of Ephedra sinica (Ephedraceae) and their antimicrobial activities. Molecules. 2013;18(5):5172–5189. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules18055172

Ibragic S, Sofić E. Chemical composition of various Ephedra species. Bosnian J Basic Med Sci. 2015;15(3):21–27. https://doi.org/10.17305/bjbms.2015.539

Uttra AM, Shahzad M, Shabbir A, Jahan S. Ephedra gerardiana aqueous ethanolic extract and fractions attenuate Freund Complete Adjuvant induced arthritis in Sprague Dawley rats by downregulating PGE2, COX2, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, NF-kB and upregulating IL-4 and IL-10. J Ethnopharma. 2018;224:482–496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.06.018

Published
2023-06-15
How to Cite
1.
Nazar H, Amar A, Younus M, Shaheen G, Muhammad Asif H, Zafar F, Ayaz S. Review of Pharmacological Activity of Ephedra Gerardiana. Sci Inquiry Rev. [Internet]. 2023Jun.15 [cited 2024Dec.4];7(2):81-100. Available from: https://journals.umt.edu.pk/index.php/SIR/article/view/2980
Issue
Vol 7 No 2: June 2023
Section
Review Article

Copyright (c) 2023 Halima Nazar, Azalfa Amar, Mohmmad Younus, Ghazala Shaheen, Hafiz Muhammad Asif, Farah Zafar, Sultan Ayaz

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.