Ephedra nebrodensis
Ephedra nebrodensis, commonly known as a desert shrub, is a significant medicinal plant valued for its unique alkaloid content. Found in arid environments, it has been traditionally used for its stimulant and bronchodilatory properties. Modern pharmacological studies continue to explore its potential in treating respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
- Scientific name: Ephedra nebrodensis
- Family: Ephedraceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Gnetidae. Within the order Ephedrales, it is classified under the family Ephedraceae. Finally, it is specifically identified by the genus Ephedra as Ephedra nebrodensis.
| 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 nebrodensis, is recognized by specific regional nomenclature depending on the language. In German, it is commonly referred to as the Nebroden-Meerträubel.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Nebroden-Meerträubel | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the Mediterranean region. In Southwestern Europe, its presence is documented in France, Spain, and the island of Sardegna. Moving toward the eastern part of the continent, it can also be found in Southeastern Europe. Specifically, its range extends into the territories of Albania and Greece. Consequently, its habitat spans several distinct coastal and inland areas within these southern European nations.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Sicilia | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Türkiye-in-Europe | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | NW. Balkan Pen. | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Ephedra nebrodensis, is primarily utilized for its medicinal properties through its aerial parts. These above-ground structures consist of slender, photosynthetic, jointed stems that lack true leaves, a characteristic adaptation of the genus. Because the therapeutic alkaloids are concentrated within these green, wiry stems, the aerial parts are the specific components harvested and processed for pharmacological use.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Aerial Parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Ephedra nebrodensis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ephedrine, flavonoids.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ephedrine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Ephedra nebrodensis has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Adaptogenic, Antihistaminic, Antinociceptive, Antioxidant, Hypotensive.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihistaminic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antinociceptive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypotensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Ephedra nebrodensis has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antioxidant.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |