Review of Phytopharmacological Properties of Alhagi Species

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: A Systematic and Mechanistic Review on the Phytopharmacological Properties of Alhagi Species
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Mohammad Hossein Asghari, Marjan Fallah, Milad Moloudizargari, Fatemeh Mehdikhani, Peyman Sepehrnia, Bigard Moradi


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: A Systematic and Mechanistic Review on the Phytopharmacological Properties of Alhagi Species

Year: 2016

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The genus Alhagi, particularly known as Khar Shotor in Iran, comprises several species that have been used in traditional folk medicine across various regions of Asia. Alhagi species are recognized for their diverse pharmacological effects. This systematic review highlights the traditional uses and phytopharmacological properties of key Alhagi species, including A. maurorum, A. camelorum, A. persarum, A. pseudoalhagi, and A. kirgisorum. The study meticulously compiles data from multiple databases to provide a comprehensive overview of their active constituents and the mechanisms through which these plants exert their therapeutic effects.

Antimicrobial Properties of Alhagi

Among various findings, the antimicrobial properties of A. camelorum and A. maurorum stand out. Historically used by local populations to treat infectious diseases, A. camelorum exhibits significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, affirming its traditional use. Similarly, A. maurorum has been documented to display antibacterial effects against multiple strains of Escherichia coli at effective concentrations. Additional studies reinforce these claims, demonstrating the potential of Alhagi extracts in combating microbial infections, thereby suggesting their relevance in both traditional and potential modern medicinal applications.

Conclusion

The findings from this review underscore the considerable biomedical potential of Alhagi species, revealing their vast pharmacological effects such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. With confirmed efficacy in traditional remedies for kidney stones, gastrointestinal disorders, and infection control, these plants represent a valuable resource for further medicinal research. However, it is crucial to note that specific concentrations of A. pseudalhagi have been linked to DNA damage, indicating that meticulous dosage management is essential. Collectively, the diverse applications and promising properties of Alhagi species advocate for more extensive studies to validate their safety and quality for clinical use, offering a pathway for the development of new therapeutic agents.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What are the traditional uses of Alhagi species?

Alhagi species, particularly known as 'Khar Shotor' in Iran, are traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal issues, liver ailments, and urinary tract infections. They are valued in folk medicine for their various therapeutic effects, especially in managing stomach complaints and renal stones.

What pharmacological effects are associated with Alhagi species?

Alhagi species exhibit numerous pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. They have shown potential in treating conditions such as gastric ulcers, edema, and infections, making them a focus of interest for medicinal studies.

Are Alhagi species safe for therapeutic use?

Alhagi species are considered safe with low toxicity but should be used cautiously. DNA damage has been noted with specific concentrations of A. pseudalhagi. Hence, further research is necessary to confirm their safety for clinical applications.

Which Alhagi species have the highest antimicrobial activity?

Among Alhagi species, A. camelorum and A. maurorum are noted for their high antimicrobial activity. Their extracts have demonstrated effectiveness against various bacteria and pathogens, supporting their traditional use in treating infections.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Review of Phytopharmacological Properties of Alhagi Species”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the field concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. The paper discusses traditional remedies, specifically involving *Alhagi* species used in folk medicine, highlighting their medicinal properties based on pharmacological studies, emphasizing the value of ethnopharmacology in modern medicine.

2) Activity:
Activity refers to the biological effects or actions of compounds. In the discussed research, *Alhagi* species exhibit diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, thereby positioning them as potential therapeutic agents in clinical settings based on documented pharmacological activity.

3) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the interaction of drugs with biological systems. The article provides an extensive review of the pharmacological properties of *Alhagi* species, detailing their mechanisms of action, effective dosages, and implications for medical use, showcasing their significance in traditional and modern pharmacology.

4) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the natural world. The systematic review of *Alhagi* species integrates various scientific disciplines such as pharmacology, toxicology, and ethnobotany, highlighting the importance of scientific inquiry in understanding the efficacy and mechanisms of traditional remedies.

5) Drug:
A drug is any substance that induces a physiological or psychological effect. The study discusses the potential of *Alhagi* species and their compounds as natural drugs, focusing on their therapeutic applications in treating different ailments and the necessity for further validation and quality assessment.

6) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the study of drugs, their properties, and their effects on living organisms. This review emphasizes the pharmacological insight of *Alhagi* species, detailing their active constituents and how they interact with biological systems, contributing to their therapeutic values.

7) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of plant secondary metabolites known for their antioxidant properties. The research emphasizes the presence of flavonoids in *Alhagi* species and their roles in mediating various pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, thus highlighting their importance in traditional medicine.

8) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers to substances capable of inhibiting bacterial growth. The article reviews the antibacterial properties of *Alhagi* species against notable pathogens, supporting their traditional use in treating infections, and demonstrating their potential in developing new antibacterial agents.

9) Ulcer:
An ulcer is a sore that develops on the lining of the stomach or intestine. The study investigates the effects of *Alhagi maurorum* on gastrointestinal ulcers, revealing its anti-ulcerogenic properties, which align with its traditional usage for treating stomach ailments.

10) Veterinary medicine:
Veterinary medicine concerns the health and treatment of animals. The paper discusses traditional uses of *Alhagi* species in veterinary medicine, emphasizing their role in treating infections and other ailments in livestock, reflecting the integration of traditional knowledge in veterinary practices.

11) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds derived from plants. The review highlights various phytochemicals present in *Alhagi* species, including flavonoids and other secondary metabolites, and examines their pharmacological activities, signifying the relevance of phytochemistry in understanding the therapeutic potential of plants.

12) Inflammation:
Inflammation is the body's response to injury or infection. The article reviews the anti-inflammatory effects of *Alhagi* species, detailing studies that illustrate how these plants can mitigate inflammation, thus supporting their traditional use in healing inflammatory conditions.

13) Discussion:
Discussion entails analyzing findings and interpreting their significance. In the reviewed study, the discussion provides a critical assessment of the pharmacological effects of *Alhagi* species, compares findings from various studies, and discusses implications for future research and clinical application.

14) Toxicology:
Toxicology is the study of the adverse effects of substances on living organisms. The article addresses the toxicity aspects of *Alhagi* species, emphasizing the importance of evaluating their safety and potential genotoxicity, which is crucial for their therapeutic application.

15) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard of something as measured against other things. The study addresses the quality of *Alhagi* species in terms of their active compounds and therapeutic efficacy, underlining the necessity for stringent quality assessments in herbal medicines.

16) Mishra (Misra):
Mishra is a surname often found in India and Nepal. In the context of the study, it references a collaborating author, emphasizing the multidisciplinary effort involved in researching *Alhagi* species and their pharmacological properties.

17) Edema (Oedema):
Edema is the accumulation of fluid in tissues, often causing swelling. The study discusses the anti-edema effects of *Alhagi* species in animal models, demonstrating their potential in treating conditions associated with fluid retention and inflammation.

18) Blood:
Blood is vital for transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. The paper notes the biochemical effects of *Alhagi* species on blood parameters, highlighting their significance in managing blood-related disorders and potential implications for conditions like hypertension.

19) Guti:
Guti might refer to a surname or location linked to the authors or the geographical scope of the research. Contextually, it signifies the collaborative nature of the research on *Alhagi* species and its relevance in traditional and modern medicine.

20) Shari (Sari):
Sari is a city in Iran and also signifies a common name. In this article, it signifies the affiliation of the authors from Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, showcasing regional contributions to the research on medicinal plants.

21) Salt (Salty):
Salt is an essential mineral for bodily functions. In this research's context, it may refer to traditional uses of medicinal plants in salty regions, potentially highlighting the significance of local plants like *Alhagi*, which thrive in saline environments.

22) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses information and understanding acquired through experience. The study implicates the importance of ancestral knowledge in traditional medicine, particularly regarding *Alhagi* species, emphasizing how integrating traditional and scientific knowledge enhances our understanding of effective remedies.

23) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can harm organisms. The paper evaluates the toxicity of *Alhagi* species, addressing potential adverse effects and the importance of defining safe usage limits to ensure their therapeutic viability.

24) Vomiting:
Vomiting is a reflex action that expels the contents of the stomach. The study discusses traditional remedies for conditions causing nausea and vomiting, linking *Alhagi* species' usage in folk medicine to potential pharmacological effects that alleviate these symptoms.

25) Channel:
Channel typically refers to a pathway or conduit for substances. In pharmacological contexts, it may refer to ion channels or pathways affecting drug action, discussed in relation to how *Alhagi* species may interact with biological pathways influencing their therapeutic effects.

26) Castor:
Castor might refer to castor oil, which is commonly used for medicinal purposes. The study mentions castor oil-induced diarrhea models to evaluate the anti-diarrheal activity of *Alhagi* extracts, highlighting the methodology of assessing pharmacological effects.

27) Nausea:
Nausea is the sensation of an urge to vomit. The research addresses the application of *Alhagi* species in alleviating nausea and associated symptoms, showcasing their role in traditional remedies for gastrointestinal disorders.

28) Glass:
Glass can refer to a vessel for drinking or measuring. In traditional medicine contexts, the use of a ‘glass’ of herbal remedies may symbolize methods of consumption, as detailed in dining traditions involving *Alhagi* species preparations.

29) Cina:
China represents a geographic region rich in traditional medicinal practices. The research considers *Alhagi* species benefits within global contexts, including comparisons of traditional applications with those in countries like China, emphasizing cross-cultural medicinal knowledge.

30) Post:
Post can refer to information transmitted or published. In the context of the study, it denotes the dissemination of research findings on *Alhagi* species to contribute to the understanding and acknowledgment of traditional medicine within scientific communities.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Review of Phytopharmacological Properties of Alhagi Species’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Diuretic effect, Folklore medicine, Anti-microbial activity, Antioxidant Effect, Anti-inflammatory agent, Active constituent, Gastrointestinal complaints, Biomedical properties, Anti-ulcerogenic activity, Anti-diarrhoeal effects, Genotoxicity evaluation, Systematic literature search, Anti-tumoral activity, Gastrointestinal effect, Phytopharmacological properties.

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