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Journal of Natural Medicines
Published in: Journal of Natural Medicines 1/2023

25-10-2022 | Alkaloids | Original Paper

Seasonal variation of alkaloids and polyphenol in Ephedra sinica cultivated in Japan and controlling factors

Authors: Yoshitomi Kudo, Kazuki Umemoto, Toshihiro Obata, Ai Kaneda, Si-ran Ni, Masayuki Mikage, Yohei Sasaki, Hirokazu Ando

Published in: Journal of Natural Medicines | Issue 1/2023

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Abstract

We investigated the seasonal variation of alkaloids (ephedrine and pseudoephedrine), total polyphenol, and sugar contents in Ephedra sinica cultivated in Japan and elucidated the controlling factors for the variation. In 2018, alkaloids and polyphenol contents increased dramatically from May to July, decreased to their lowest in October, and slightly increased again in November. The reduction of alkaloids and polyphenol contents in the autumn may be affected by precipitation in summer. In 2020, alkaloids and polyphenol contents started to decrease in late July when rainfall was abundant from July to August. In contrast, sucrose and starch contents continued to increase until September and remained high until October. Vascular bundles and fiber developed, and herbal stem weight increased from August to October. Alkaloids and total polyphenol contents tended to increase in November. At the same time, starch and sucrose contents decreased dramatically, whereas glucose and fructose contents increased. Sugar content decreased from October and was lowest in November. The seasonal variation of alkaloids and total polyphenol contents exhibited a contrasting tendency to the seasonal variation of sugar content and tissue development. The seasonal variation of alkaloids and total polyphenol contents was caused by the seasonal variation of sugar content and tissue development. In addition, it is suggested that anatomy may be used for alkaloids content estimation in Ephedra plants.
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Metadata
Title
Seasonal variation of alkaloids and polyphenol in Ephedra sinica cultivated in Japan and controlling factors
Authors
Yoshitomi Kudo
Kazuki Umemoto
Toshihiro Obata
Ai Kaneda
Si-ran Ni
Masayuki Mikage
Yohei Sasaki
Hirokazu Ando
Publication date
25-10-2022
Publisher
Springer Nature Singapore
Published in
Journal of Natural Medicines / Issue 1/2023
Print ISSN: 1340-3443
Electronic ISSN: 1861-0293
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-022-01656-9

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