A review of the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Ephedra herb.
10.1016/S1875-5364(20)30040-6
- Author:
Shuang-Man MIAO
1
,
2
;
Qi ZHANG
1
,
2
;
Xiao-Bao BI
3
;
Jin-Long CUI
4
;
Meng-Liang WANG
5
Author Information
1. Institute of Applied Chemistry, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
2. Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
3. Centre for Biomimetic Sensor Science (CBSS), School of Materials Science & Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637553, Singapore.
4. Institute of Applied Chemistry, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China. Electronic address: CJL717@163.com.
5. Institute of Applied Chemistry, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Bioactivity;
Ethnopharmacology;
Phytochemistry;
Phytomedicine;
Traditional Chinese medicine
- From:
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.)
2020;18(5):321-344
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Ephedra herb is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history. Conventionally, it was used as a folk phytomedicine in many ancient medical books and traditional prescriptions. Up to date, a variety of specific ingredients have been found in Ephedra herb, mainly including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides, organic acids, volatile oils, and many other active compounds. These components from Ephedra herb account for its use as the accurate treatment of cold, cough, cardiovascular and immune system disease, cancer, microbial infection, and other diseases. Moreover, with the fast development of novel chemistry and medicine technology, new chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Ephedra herb are increasingly identified, demonstrating their great potential for various diseases treatment. Therefore, further detailed understanding and investigation of this ancient herb will offer new opportunities to develop novel therapeutics. This study systematically reviews its progress of phytochemistry, traditional and modern pharmacology based on research data that have been reported, aiming at providing useful insight for commercial exploitation, further study and precision medication of Ephedra herb in future.
