Ephedra alata Growing Wild in Southern Tunisia: Phytochemical Profiling and Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial, Anti-xanthine Ooxidase and Cytotoxic Potentials | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Botany | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 18 November 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Regular issue (Original Article) | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejbo.2025.358314.3178 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Naima Bennour* 1, 2, 3, 4; Hedi Mighri1; Nesrine Harboub1; Hajer Eljani1; Naima Chouikhi1; Ozfer Yesilada5; Pablo Campra Madrid3; Hasan Kucukbay4; Ahmed Akrout1 | ||
| 1Laboratory of Rangeland Ecosystems and Valorization of Spontaneous Plants and Associated Microorganisms (LR16IRA03), Arid Regions Institute, 4119, Medenine, Tunisia | ||
| 2Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Gabes, Tunisia | ||
| 3Department of Agronomy, Food Technology Laboratory, University of Almeria, Spain | ||
| 4Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey | ||
| 5Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey | ||
| Abstract | ||
| This study investigated the ethnobotanical use, phytochemical composition, and biological activities of Ephedra alata from southern Tunisia. Ethnobotanical data were collected via an online questionnaire, and proximate, phytochemical, and mineral analyses were performed using standard methods. Extracts obtained with dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol, ethanol, and water were assessed for total polyphenol (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC), as well as for anti-inflammatory (5-lipoxygenase inhibition), anti-xanthine oxidase, cytotoxic (HT-29 cell line), and antibacterial (MIC against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) activities. Among 450 respondents, 64% were familiar with Ephedra and 27% reported its use mainly aerial parts via infusion for cancer, digestive issues, and hypertension. Nutritional analysis revealed high fiber (41.6%), protein (9.45%), and mineral content. Phytochemical screening identified 9 of 17 targeted compounds. Mineral analysis confirmed the presence of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, and Fe. Ethanol extracts showed the highest anti-xanthine oxidase (IC₅₀ = 143 mg/L) and cytotoxic activity (GI₅₀ = 780 mg/L), while overall anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects were weak. These findings support the traditional use of E. alata and highlight its potential in health and nutrition applications. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Biological activities; Ephedra alata; Ethnobotanical survey; Mineral composition; Phytochemical screening; Proximate analysis | ||
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