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BIOECOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF EPHEDRA EQUISETINA
BUNGE
Barno Matkarimova
a master's student at Berdoq Karakalpak State University.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15558855
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Qabul qilindi: 25-May 2025 yil
Ma’qullandi: 28-May 2025 yil
Nashr qilindi: 31-May 2025 yil
This article discusses the bioecological properties,
habitat, phenological periods, and medicinal value of
Ephedra equisetina Bunge. The plant's adaptation to
natural conditions and conservation status are
analyzed
KEY WORDS
Ephedra equisetina, bioecology,
distribution area, xerophytic plant,
ephedrine, alkaloids, medicinal
plants, ecological adaptation,
pharmacological
significance,
resource status.
Introduction
Currently, the study of medicinal plants and the determination of their bioecological
properties are of great importance for the rational use of natural resources and the
preservation of biodiversity. Ephedra equisetina Bunge is one of the plants that have been
used for medicinal purposes since ancient times, and is mainly native to the regions of Central
Asia.
Uzbekistan is a landlocked Central Asian country. Among the three Ephedra species
listed in JP17, E. intermedia and E. equisetina are distributed in Uzbekistan. In 2017-2021,
ephedra herb was studied in the natural habitat of plants belonging to the Ephedra genus in
Uzbekistan, and we confirmed that plants such as E. strobilacea, E. equisetina, E. regeliana, E.
foliate, E. distachya grow in natural conditions in Uzbekistan. However, currently, ephedra
herb is not collected in Uzbekistan. Although Uzbekistan is one of the most important habitats
for Ephedra plants worldwide, the characteristics of Ephedra plants growing there have not
yet been closely studied. Therefore, this study presents basic research on the cultivation of E.
equisetina, among which the most common plants[1].
Botanical description
Ephedra equisetina is an evergreen, perennial shrubby plant belonging to the
Ephedraceae family. Its div consists of numerous, cylindrical, knotted and thickened green
stems. The leaves are small, spreading and attached to the lower part of the div, and
photosynthesis occurs mainly in the stem. The flowers are inconspicuous, simple in structure,
with separate female and male flowers. The fruit is a seed pod, often covered with a mucous
layer. This plant grows in arid and semi-arid climates, especially in foothills, rocky and sandy
areas. It is found in the southern and southwestern parts of Uzbekistan, in the dry zones of
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Kazakhstan, China and Afghanistan. It also grows successfully on soils with good sunlight, low
in nutrients. It is highly resistant to soil salinity and drought.
Phenological periods:
Ephedra equisetina enters the growing season in early spring.
The flowering period is mainly in April–May. The fruits ripen in late summer and autumn. It
reproduces by seeds, but vegetative propagation is also possible. [2].
The table below shows the annual phenological phases of the Ephedra equisetina plant.
Months
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII VIII IX
X
XI
XII
Vegetation
Vvv
Vvv
Vvv
Vvv
Vvv
Vvv
Vvv
Vvv
Budding
G‘g
G‘g
Gg‘
Flowering
Gg
Gg
Fertilization
Ttt
Ttt
Seed
collection
Tjtj
Tjtj
Medicinal value:
The plant contains alkaloids - ephedrine and pseudoephedrine,
which are widely used in medicine for bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion and
other respiratory diseases. Ephedrine is also used as a cardiovascular stimulant. Therefore,
Ephedra equisetina is of great importance in the pharmaceutical industry.
The main chemical components of the Ephedra equisetina plant are distributed as follows.[3]
Conservation status:
The natural population of Ephedra equisetina is declining due to
overexploitation of natural resources. For this reason, the plant is protected in some regions
of Uzbekistan and is listed in the Red Book. In order to restore its resources, artificial
propagation, cultural cultivation, and gene pool conservation are important. [4]
Ecological characteristics:
Climate adaptation: the plant is mainly adapted to continental, semi-desert and foothill
climatic conditions.
It is highly drought-resistant and can also endure long periods of drought. It can withstand
sharp temperature changes (up to +40°C during the day and +10°C at night).
Light and temperature: it is a photophilous plant and grows well in open areas, under direct
sunlight. In shaded areas, its development slows down or may stop altogether.
Soil requirements: mainly found on rocky, sandy or gravelly soils. It is not demanding on
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nutrients, it can also grow on saline and carbonate soils. Well-drained soil is important for its
root system.
Humidity and water requirements: It can survive in low humidity conditions, which
makes it suitable for desert and semi-desert areas. It has physiological characteristics that
conserve water due to its adaptation to water scarcity. The reduction of its leaves and the
greenness of its stems are adaptations aimed at conserving water by reducing transpiration.
The diagram below shows the ecological requirements spectrum of the plant Ephedra
equisetina. [5]
Main distribution areas in Uzbekistan: Mountainous regions: Kashkadarya region -
southern slopes of the Hissar ridge, found on rocky and sandy soils.
Surkhandarya region - widespread around the Boysun and Sherabad ridges, especially in
rocky valleys.
Semi-desert and desert regions:
Navoi region - in desert and semi-desert zones along the Zarafshan River.
Bukhara region - in the Lower Zarafshan Valley and sandy areas.
Republic of Karakalpakstan - Ustyurt Plateau, South Ustyurt, along the Amu Darya River.
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Nukus district, around Lake Achchiq.
Soil and climate compatibility: grows mainly on sandy, rocky, well-drained soils.
Very well adapted to arid climatic conditions.
Grows well at altitudes of 800–3000 meters.
References:
1.
"Experience in growing Ephedra equisetina grown in Uzbekistan and total alkaloid
content"
2.
Mio Nakano, Alfiya Allambergenova, Akira Izakura, Akihito Takano, Takahisa Nakane',
Yoshiko Kawabata, Jollibekov Berdiyar, Ivan Ivanovich Maltsev
3.
Abdullaeva, N. N., & Mamatov, M. M. (2020). Medicinal plants found in the flora of
Uzbekistan. Tashkent: Fan Publishing House.
4.
Karimov, A. A. (2015). Ecology of plants. Tashkent: UzMU Publishing House.
5.
Nurmatov, E. et al. (2020). "Diversity and distribution of Ephedra species in Uzbekistan".
ResearchGate.
6.
URL: https://www..net/publication/346351830
7.
Flora of Uzbekistan (2006). Volume 3: Gymnospermae. Tashkent: FAN.researchgate
