Ephedra ciliata
Ephedra ciliaeta, commonly known as the broom hemp or ephedra, is a perennial shrub native to the Indian subcontinent. Renowned for its significant pharmacological properties, it contains alkaloids like ephedrine. Historically utilized in traditional medicine, this plant plays a vital role in treating respiratory issues and enhancing physical stamina.
- Scientific name: Ephedra ciliata
- Family: Ephedraceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Gnetidae, it falls under the order Ephedrales and the family Ephedraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Ephedra, with the specific species being Ephedra ciliata.
| 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, Ephedra ciliata, is known by various regional names depending on the language. In Hebrew, it is referred to as שרביטן הערבה, while in Tajik, it is commonly called Бобонарак, and in Azerbaijani, it is known as Kirpikli acılıqotu.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| he | שרביטן הערבה | Wikidata |
| tg | Бобонарак | Wikidata |
| az | Kirpikli acılıqotu | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across various regions within the Northern African continent. Specifically, its presence can be documented throughout the country of Algeria. It is also found within the desert landscapes of Egypt and Libya. Furthermore, the species extends its range into the territory of Morocco. Finally, its geographical footprint includes the arid regions of Western Sahara.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Western Sahara | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mauritania | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Chad | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Djibouti | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Ethiopia | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Socotra | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant is categorized as a perennial herb, characterized by its distinct growth habit and medicinal properties. The therapeutic value is primarily derived from its aerial parts, which include the stems and branches that grow above the ground. These aerial components contain the essential alkaloids and bioactive compounds required for its pharmacological applications.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| herb | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Ephedra ciliata has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include catechin, catechins, epicatechin, kaempferol, protocatehuic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| catechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| catechins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epicatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kaempferol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| protocatehuic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |