In this article we will discuss about the economic importance of Ephedra and Gnetum.
Economic Importance of Ephedra:
1. Ephedrine, an alkaloid obtained from several species of Ephedra, is used in the preparation of medicines for treating asthama, bronchitis, cough, cold, nasal disorder and hay fever. In India, the ephedrine is obtained from Ephedra gerardiana, E. intermedia, E. nebrodensis and E. sinica.
2. A decoction of stems and roots of several species is used in curing syphilis and rheumatism in Russia.
3. Ephedra gerardiana tincture is effective as a cardiac and circulatory stimulant.
4. Rhizome of Ephedra gerardiana is used as fuel by the people of Tibet.
5. Some species are grown as ornamental plants.
Economic Importance of Gnetum:
1. Seeds of Gnetum gnemon, G. latifolium and G.ula are eaten after boiling or roasting. Sometimes they are fried in oil and eaten.
2. Young leaves and inflorescence of Gnetum gnemon and G. latifolium are cooked as vegetable.
3. A fiber of high tensile strength is obtained from the bark of Gnetum gnemon and G. latifolium, and used for making fishing nets and ropes. Ropes prepared from this fiber are light, strong and pliable.
4. Paper is made from the pulp produced from the bark of Gnetum gnemon.
5. A fixed oil, used for illumination and also affective in rheumatism, is obtained from the kernels of Gnetum ula. It is used widely in Kerala and Assam.
6. Gnetum montanum possesses pesticidal properties.