Preliminary phytochemical analysis and DNA protective activities of Ephedra major and Ephedra equisetina species

Worldwide, the Ephedra plant is one of the oldest medicinal herbs used in traditional alternative medicine. The medicinal varieties are utilized as stimulants and antiasthmatic agents for the treatment of colds, bronchial asthma, cough, fever, influenza, headache, edema, and allergies. In our study, it was aimed to determine the preliminary phytochemical composition of Ephedra major and Ephedra equisetina species belonging to the Ephedra genus and to determine their antioxidant and DNA protective activity. Ephedra major is known to contain components such as flavonoids and tannins with a moderate ephedrine content and has been traditionally used in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Ephedra equisetina, on the other hand, contains higher concentrations of ephedrine and other bioactive compounds and is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, and allergic reactions. When we look at the study findings, the total phenolic and flavonoid substance amounts in both plant species were determined at close levels in both tests, and it was seen that they contained phenolic and flavonoid substances and had antioxidant activity and DNA protection effect. In addition, it was observed that there was a DNA protection effect at a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL in the presence of Fenton in the medium.