Exploring the phytochemical profile and antioxidant potential of Ephedra fragilis: a comparison of decoction and infusion extracts

Ephedra fragilis is a medicinal plant known for its richness in bioactive compounds and therapeutic potential. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the antioxidant activity and phytochemical content of aqueous extracts obtained by decoction and infusion. Various classes of secondary metabolites, including polyphenols, flavonoids, flavonols, tannins, and hydroxycinnamic acids, were quantified. Antioxidant activity was assessed using multiple complementary assays. The results showed that the decoction method yielded extracts with notably higher antioxidant capacity compared to the infusion. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis confirmed the presence of several major compounds, such as caffeic acid, catechin, and rutin. These findings demonstrate that decoction is a more efficient extraction method for recovering antioxidant constituents from Ephedra fragilis, supporting its potential use in health-related applications and functional products.