Ephedra sinica

Common Names: Chinese ephedra, Chinese joint-fir

Ethnobotanical Studies

Studies

Mechanism of Jizhi syrup's prevention and treatment of acute bronchitis based on LPS-iNOS inflammatory mediators' signalling pathway.

Immunology
Han M et al (2024).
J Ethnopharmacol.
DOI:
10.1016/j.jep.2024.118708
PubMed:
39197804

Predicting the spatial distribution of three Ephedra species under climate change using the MaxEnt model.

Li Y et al (2024).
Heliyon.
DOI:
10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32696
PubMed:
39183892

Combined gut microbiome and metabolomics to reveal the mechanism of proanthocyanidins from the roots of Ephedra sinica Stapf on the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Gastroenterology
Lv M et al (2024).
J Pharm Biomed Anal.
DOI:
10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116351
PubMed:
39018720

Ephedra sinica polysaccharide regulate the anti-inflammatory immunity of intestinal microecology and bacterial metabolites in rheumatoid arthritis.

Summary

ESP, a polysaccharide, has strong therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis. The gut microbiota enzymes and derivatives play a role in the inflammatory immune response in RA. Important for potential treatment development.

ArthritisGastroenterologyImmunology
Ma Y et al (2024).
Front Pharmacol.
DOI:
10.3389/fphar.2024.1414675
PubMed:
38846095

Effect and mechanisms of Gambi-jung against high-fat diet-induced cardiac apoptosis in mice.

Summary

GBJ, a herbal formula, reduces HFD-induced cardiac apoptosis in obese mice. GBJ reverses pro-apoptotic protein levels and improves mitochondrial function, showing promise for cardiovascular health.

Cardiology
Park YJ et al (2024).
Heliyon.
DOI:
10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29161
PubMed:
38644871

Distribution Pattern of Suitable Areas and Corridor Identification of Endangered Ephedra Species in China.

Zhang H et al (2024).
Plants (Basel).
DOI:
10.3390/plants13060890
PubMed:
38592953

Can the heptapeptide ASSIVSF of the β(2)-adrenoceptor recognize ephedrine and pseudoephedrine epimers in a complex system?

Yin J et al (2024).
J Chromatogr A.
DOI:
10.1016/j.chroma.2024.464857
PubMed:
38569445

Qingfei xieding prescription ameliorates mitochondrial DNA-initiated inflammation in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis through activating autophagy.

GeneticsImmunology
Wang Y et al (2024).
J Ethnopharmacol.
DOI:
10.1016/j.jep.2024.117820
PubMed:
38286157

A comprehensive study of Ephedra sinica Stapf-Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill herb pair on airway protection in asthma.

Summary

Mahuang and Wuweizi herbs, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for respiratory symptoms, work together to improve efficacy in treating cough and asthma. The mechanism against asthma is still unknown.

Asthma
Zhuo Z et al (2023).
J Ethnopharmacol.
DOI:
10.1016/j.jep.2023.117614
PubMed:
38113990

Baiheqingjin formula reduces inflammation in mice with asthma by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/NF-κb signaling pathway.

Summary

BHQJ is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy made from 7 plants. It effectively treats cough asthma and reduces airway inflammation.

AsthmaImmunology
Yan X et al (2023).
J Ethnopharmacol.
DOI:
10.1016/j.jep.2023.117565
PubMed:
38081397

Cell Death Induced by the Combination of Ephedra sinica Extract and Radiation in HNSCC is Positively Related to BAX and p-MLKL Expression.

Woo SR et al (2023).
Anticancer Agents Med Chem.
DOI:
10.2174/0118715206267182231024105837
PubMed:
37921146

In vitro anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 effect of Ephedra przewalskii Stapf extract.

Summary

The study explores the potential of Ephedra przewalskii extract as a treatment for infectious diseases. While E. sinica extract is used in traditional medicines, it has side effects. E. przewalskii extract is ephedrine-free but lacks sufficient evidence for its antiviral efficacy.

COVID-19
Kakimoto M et al (2023).
J Ethnopharmacol.
DOI:
10.1016/j.jep.2023.117341
PubMed:
37879507

"Mini-community" simulation revealed the differences of endophytic fungal communities between the above- and below-ground tissues of Ephedra sinica Stapf.

Liu X et al (2023).
Fungal Biol.
DOI:
10.1016/j.funbio.2023.07.006
PubMed:
37821149

Interpretation of the anti-influenza active ingredients and potential mechanisms of Ge Gen Decoction based on spectrum-effect relationships and network analysis.

Liu X et al (2023).
J Ethnopharmacol.
DOI:
10.1016/j.jep.2023.117290
PubMed:
37806538

Could Natural Products Help in the Control of Obesity? Current Insights and Future Perspectives.

Summary

This review analyzed the therapeutic effects of natural products on obesity. Several natural products, including coffee, green tea, garlic, and others, showed anti-obesity effects. Further research is needed for clinical use.

Review Obesity
Park J et al (2023).
Molecules.
DOI:
10.3390/molecules28186604
PubMed:
37764380

The composition characteristics of endophytic communities and their relationship with metabolites profile in Ephedra sinica under wild and cultivated conditions.

Zhang H et al (2023).
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int.
DOI:
10.1007/s11356-023-29145-w
PubMed:
37556062

Study on wild medicinal plant resources and their applied ethnology in multiethnic areas of the Gansu-Ningxia-Inner Mongolia intersection zone.

Xie J et al (2023).
J Ethnobiol Ethnomed.
DOI:
10.1186/s13002-023-00585-5
PubMed:
37210577

Modeling for Predicting the Potential Geographical Distribution of Three Ephedra Herbs in China.

Guo L et al (2023).
Plants (Basel).
DOI:
10.3390/plants12040787
PubMed:
36840134

Comparative pharmacokinetic studies of Ephedra herba in common cold and nephrotic syndrome rat models.

Cao Y et al (2023).
J Sep Sci.
DOI:
10.1002/jssc.202200895
PubMed:
36823773

Evaluation of rooting characteristics of Ephedra cuttings by anatomy and promising strain selection based on rooting characteristics and alkaloid content.

Phytochemistry
Kudo Y et al (2023).
J Nat Med.
DOI:
10.1007/s11418-023-01680-3
PubMed:
36680565

Role of herbal medicine and gut microbiota in the prevention and treatment of obesity.

Summary

Obesity is influenced by the balance of gut bacteria. Herbal medicine shows promise in treating obesity, but more research is needed to understand how it works.

Review GastroenterologyObesity
Zhang Q et al (2023).
J Ethnopharmacol.
DOI:
10.1016/j.jep.2022.116127
PubMed:
36603782

Herbal medicines exhibit a high affinity for ACE2 in treating COVID-19.

Summary

Many herbal medicines, including Lianhua Qingwen capsules and Houttuynia cordata, have shown promise in treating COVID-19 by targeting the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor which allows the virus to enter host cells. This study summarizes a range of herbal formulas, single herbs, and active ingredients that exhibit a high affinity for ACE2 and warrant further investigation. Such research could lead to the discovery of new drugs to fight COVID-19.

COVID-19
Zhang B and Qi F (2023).
Biosci Trends.
DOI:
10.5582/bst.2022.01534
PubMed:
36596560

ESP-B4 promotes nasal epithelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles containing miR-146a-5p to modulate Smad3/GATA-3 thus relieving allergic rhinitis: ESP-B4/miR-146a-5p in AR.

Li H, Wang Y and Han X (2023).
Phytomedicine.
DOI:
10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154516
PubMed:
36370637

Ephedra sinica polysaccharide alleviates airway inflammations of mouse asthma-like induced by PM2.5 and ovalbumin via the regulation of gut microbiota and short chain fatty acid.

Summary

This study examines the potential of Ephedra sinica polysaccharide (ESP) to mitigate lung damage caused by PM2.5 pollution, which is linked to asthma and other respiratory diseases.

AsthmaGastroenterology
Liu JX et al (2022).
J Pharm Pharmacol.
DOI:
10.1093/jpp/rgac078
PubMed:
36301619

Determination of six core components from Mahuang Xuanfei Zhike syrup in rat plasma and tissues by UPLC-MS/MS: Application to a pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution study.

Yang Y et al (2022).
Biomed Chromatogr.
DOI:
10.1002/bmc.5496
PubMed:
36047933

Dynamics of the fermentation quality and microbiotsa in Ephedra sinica treated native grass silage.

Du S et al (2022).
J Appl Microbiol.
DOI:
10.1111/jam.15779
PubMed:
35962633

Extract of Ephedra sinica Stapf Induces Browning of Mouse and Human White Adipocytes.

Park SJ et al (2022).
Foods.
DOI:
10.3390/foods11071028
PubMed:
35407115

Potential Role of Gut Microbiota in Traditional Chinese Medicine against COVID-19.

Summary

The combination of traditional Chinese medicine and western medication appears to be an effective treatment strategy for COVID-19 patients in China. This review focuses on the relationship between COVID-19 and gut microbiota and the potential impact of traditional Chinese medicine on gut microbiota in treating COVID-19 patients. Available data suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis occurs in COVID-19 patients, and intervention can improve patient's clinical condition. Certain traditional Chinese medicines have been proven to be safe and effective for treating COVID-19, and they have a positive impact on gut microbiota, immunity, and angiotensin converting enzyme 2. The hypothesis of gut microbiota-mediated traditional Chinese medicine treatment of COVID-19 is proposed, but more clinical trials and basic experiments are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Review COVID-19Gastroenterology
Zhang Q et al (2021).
Am J Chin Med.
DOI:
10.1142/S0192415X21500373
PubMed:
33853498

Potential Targets for Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Review of Qing-Fei-Pai-Du-Tang and Its Major Herbs.

Summary

Qing Fei Pai Du Tang (QFPDT), a Chinese medicine formula consisting of 21 herbs, has been reported to be effective in treating COVID-19. It has been shown to prevent the progression of mild cases and shorten hospital stays. The formula has been recommended in China's Clinical Practice Guideline on COVID-19. Basic scientific studies have identified QFPDT's anti-oxidation, immuno-modulation, and antiviral mechanisms, including cytokine storm prevention and angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor binding regulation. QFPDT's multi-target mechanisms for treating viral infections in general and COVID-19 in particular were validated. While large-scale clinical studies of QFPDT are ongoing, real-world data can be used to explore integrative treatment options, including herb-drug interactions.

Review COVID-19
Zhong LLD et al (2020).
Am J Chin Med.
DOI:
10.1142/S0192415X20500512
PubMed:
32668969

Effectiveness of herbal medicines for weight loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Meta-Analysis
Maunder A et al (2020).
Diabetes Obes Metab.
DOI:
10.1111/dom.13973
PubMed:
31984610

Ephedra.

Review
(2018).
PubMed:
31644021

Dietary supplements for body-weight reduction: a systematic review.

Review
Pittler MH and Ernst E (2004).
Am J Clin Nutr.
PubMed:
15051593