Ephedra aphylla
Ephedra aphylla, commonly known as the leafless ephedra, is a resilient shrub native to the arid regions of North Africa and the Middle East. Renowned for its medicinal properties, it contains bioactive alkaloids used traditionally to treat respiratory ailments, fatigue, and various systemic conditions through its potent pharmacological effects.
- Scientific name: Ephedra aphylla
- Family: Ephedraceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Gnetidae and order Ephedrales, falling into the family Ephedraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Ephedra, specifically as the species Ephedra aphylla.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Gnetidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ephedrales | WCVP |
| Family | Ephedraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Ephedra | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Ephedra aphylla, is recognized by various common names depending on the region and language. In Hebrew, it is referred to as שרביטן ריסני, while in Arabic, it is known as علندى عديمة الأوراق, and in Chinese, it is called 无叶麻黄.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| he | שרביטן ריסני | Wikidata |
| ar | علندى عديمة الأوراق | Wikidata |
| zh | 无叶麻黄 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across parts of Northern Africa and Western Asia. In the North African region, it can be found growing within the territories of Egypt and Libya. Moving into Western Asia, its presence extends to the island of Cyprus. It is also documented across the Levant region, specifically within Lebanon and Syria. Finally, its geographical range includes the area of Palestine.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Cyprus | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Lebanon-Syria | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Palestine | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Sinai | WCVP |
| Arabian Peninsula | Gulf States | WCVP |
| Arabian Peninsula | Saudi Arabia | WCVP |
Chemicals
Ephedra aphylla has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoid, tannin.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Ephedra aphylla has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Ephedra aphylla has 11 reported medicinal uses identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Bacillus cereus, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, HCT-116 cells, HeLa cells.
- Total uses
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Bacillus cereus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Candida albicans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Escherichia coli | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| HCT-116 cells | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| HeLa cells | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Klebsiella pneumoniae | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Listeria monocytogenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Salmonella typhimurium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |