Modeling for Predicting the Potential Geographical Distribution of Three Ephedra Herbs in China

Guo, Longfei; Yougang, Gao; He, Ping; He, Yuan; Meng, Fanyun

doi:10.3390/plants12040787

Cited by 12 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 45 publications

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“…In contrast, the suitable area for E. rhytidosperma is relatively small at only 0.05%, mainly concentrated in the Helan Mountain region of Ningxia as a narrowly distributed species. These results are consistent with records in “Flora of China” and the conclusions drawn by most scholars regarding Ephedra ‘s distribution [ 25 , 35 , 36 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ]. The highly suitable areas for these five endangered Ephedra species are primarily concentrated in Central–Western China while being relatively scarce or absent in southern regions due to differences in the climatic conditions between north and south [ 45 ].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

“…Therefore, it is imperative to comprehensively understand its distribution pattern of suitable areas and implement effective conservation measures for this genus. Despite extensive research on Ephedra species encompassing distribution surveys, physiological indicators, population structure, captive cultivation techniques, suitable area studies, and spatial distribution mapping [ 13 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ], limited attention has been devoted to conservation design based on assessing potential habitat suitability. Henceforth, identifying appropriate suitable areas and dispersal ecological corridors for endangered Ephedra species under climate stress conditions are crucial to conserving and utilizing these valuable resources.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Distribution Pattern of Suitable Areas and Corridor Identification of Endangered Ephedra Species in China

Zhang,

Li,

Zou

et al. 2024

Plants

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The suitable habitat of endangered Ephedra species has been severely threatened and affected by climate change and anthropogenic activities; however, their migration trends and restoration strategies are still relatively understudied. In this study, we utilized the MaxEnt model to simulate the suitable habitats of five endangered Ephedra species in China under current and future climate scenarios. Additionally, we identified significant ecological corridors by incorporating the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model. Under the current climate scenario, the suitable area of Ephedra equisetina Bunge, Ephedra intermedia Schrenk ex Mey, Ephedra sinica Stapf, and Ephedra monosperma Gmel ex Mey comprised 16% of the area in China, while Ephedra rhytidosperma Pachom comprised only 0.05%. The distribution patterns of these five Ephedra species were primarily influenced by altitude, salinity, temperature, and precipitation. Under future climate scenarios, the suitable areas of E. equisetina, E. intermedia, and E. sinica are projected to expand, while that of E. monosperma is expected to contract. Notably, E. rhytidosperma will lose its suitable area in the future. Our identified ecological corridors showed that the first-level corridors encompassed a wider geographical expanse, incorporating E. equisetina, E. intermedia, E. sinica, and E. monosperma, while that of E. rhytidosperma exhibited a shorter length and covered fewer geographical areas. Overall, our study provides novel insights into identifying priority protected areas and protection strategies targeting endangered Ephedra species.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution Pattern of Suitable Areas and Corridor Identification of Endangered Ephedra Species in China

Zhang,

Li,

Zou

et al. 2024

Plants

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“…SDMs (species distribution models) are widely used in geography, ecology, and species conservation and are effective tools for studying species and environmental issues, particularly in the fields of endangered species protection and environmental impact assessment [16,17]. Various SDM algorithms, including CLIMEX, DOMAIN, the genetic algorithm for rule set production (GARP), BIOMOD-2 and maximum entropy (MaxEnt), have been used to assess ecological requirements and predict habitat suitability for medicinal plant species [18][19][20].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predicting the comprehensive geospatial pattern of two ephedrine-type alkaloids for Ephedra sinica in Inner Mongolia

Guo

et al. 2023

PLoS ONE

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Ephedra sinica Stapf. is a shrubby plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine due to its high level of medicinal value, thus, it is in high demand. Ephedrine (E) and pseudoephedrine (PE) are key medicinal components and quality indicators for E. sinica. These two ephedrine-type alkaloids are basic elements that exert the medicinal effect of E. sinica. Recently, indiscriminate destruction and grassland desertification have caused the quantity and quality of these pharmacological plants to degenerate. Predicting potentially suitable habitat for high-quality E. sinica is essential for its future conservation and domestication. In this study, MaxEnt software was utilized to map suitable habitats for E. sinica in Inner Mongolia based on occurrence data and a set of variables related to climate, soil, topography and human impact. The model parametrization was optimized by evaluating alternative combinations of feature classes and values of the regularization multiplier. Second, a geospatial quality model was fitted to relate E and PE contents to the same environmental variables and to predict their spatial patterns across the study area. Outputs from the two models were finally coupled to map areas predicted to have both suitable conditions for E. sinica and high alkaloid content. Our results indicate that E. sinica with high-quality E content was mainly distributed in the Horqin, Ulan Butong and Wulanchabu grasslands. E. sinica with high-quality PE content was primarily found in the Ordos, Wulanchabu and Ulan Butong grasslands. This study provides scientific information for the protection and sustainable utilization of E. sinica. It can also help to control and prevent desertification in Inner Mongolia.

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“…

Ephedra plants are among the oldest and most popular herbs used in traditional medicine in China and Japan [1][2][3]. Ephedrae herba has long been used as both medicine and food [4,5].

…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These plants are also used to treat disorders of the cardiovascular and digestive systems, ailments of the urinary tract, cancers, diabetes, as well as bacterial, viral, and fungal infections [14,15]. Other studies mention the use of Ephedra species for the treatment of edema, fever, and allergies [1,2,16,17]. Ephedra extracts are also considered as dietary supplements, notably for weight loss [18,19].…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Ethnobotanical Uses and Pharmacological Activities of Moroccan Ephedra Species

Chroho,

Bailly,

Bouissane

2024

Planta Med

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Ephedra species are among the most popular herbs used in traditional medicine for a long time. The ancient Chinese medical book “Treatise on Febrile Diseases” refers to the classic traditional Chinese medicine prescription Ge Gen decoction, which consists of seven herbs, including an Ephedra species. Ephedra species are utilized all over the world to treat symptoms of the common cold and coughs, and to combat major human diseases, such as asthma, cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular and digestive disorders, and microbial infections. This study aimed at identifying specific Ephedra species used traditionally in Morocco for therapeutic purposes. The plant parts, their preparation process, and the treated pathologies were identified and analyzed. The results revealed five ethnobotanically important species of Ephedra: Ephedra alata Decne, Ephedra altissima Desf., Ephedra distachya L., Ephedra fragilis Desf., and Ephedra nebrodensis Tineo. These species are used traditionally in Morocco for treating people with diabetes, cancer, rheumatism, cold and asthma, hypertension, influenza virus infection, and respiratory ailments. In addition, they are occasionally used as calefacient agents, to regulate weight, or for capillary care. Few studies have underlined the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of some of these Moroccan Ephedra species, but little information is available regarding the natural products at the origin of the bioactivities. Further phytochemical investigations and clinical data are encouraged to better support the use of these plants.

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Modeling for Predicting the Potential Geographical Distribution of Three Ephedra Herbs in China

Cited by 12 publications

References 45 publications

Distribution Pattern of Suitable Areas and Corridor Identification of Endangered Ephedra Species in China

Distribution Pattern of Suitable Areas and Corridor Identification of Endangered Ephedra Species in China

Predicting the comprehensive geospatial pattern of two ephedrine-type alkaloids for Ephedra sinica in Inner Mongolia

Ethnobotanical Uses and Pharmacological Activities of Moroccan Ephedra Species

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