Pharmacological activities on Ephedra nebrodensis Tineo

BALLERO, MAURO;Foddis C;SANNA, CINZIA;Scartezzini P;Poli F;Petitto V;Serafini M;Stanzione A;Bianco A;Serilli AM;Spina L;Longoni R;Kasture S.

2010-01-01

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Abstract

As a part of our endeavour to screen Mediterranean medicinal plants for various pharmacological activities, we evaluated antihistaminic, adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, hypotensive and locomotor properties, and antioxidant potential of Ephedra nebrodensis. 1H-NMR spectroscopy was carried out to identify the plant metabolites, which confirmed the presence of ephedrinic skeleton alkaloids. The ethanol : acetone (1 : 1) extract exhibited dose-related antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, hypotensive, antioxidant and locomotor stimulant activity. The plant bears potential for further studies.