Ethnobotanical study of a Medicinal Plant -Ephedra alata- In the North-East of Algeria

Abstract

The objective of this study is to contribute to the valorization of one of Ephedraceae family species, Ephedra alata, at the level of Ouenza region in Tébessa city, which is situated in the North-East of Algeria. This plant is endowed with a great pharmacological importance and known by its resistance to drought. This work begins with an ethnobotanical survey. Its objective is to learn about the use of Ephedra alata in herbal medicine, and then to carry out a phytochemical study (chemical screening). According to the ethnobotanical survey, the pharmacological importance of the plant seems to be ignored by a large part of the population. The chemical screening has shown the presence of various secondary metabolites in the plant’s aerial part, such as alkaloids, polyphenols, tannins, saponosides and terpenes. Therefore, regarding these last results, it is appropriate to confirm to what extent Ephedra alata can be useful, particularly, by its phytotherapeutic participation, namely the harvest period, the used part and the way of use. Finally to avoid the progressive extinction of this species, it is necessary to intensify the actions of knowledge and prevention for the preservation and the reconquest of biodiversity.