Fagonia arabica L.: A Review of its Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Traditional Uses

Abstract

Background: Fagonia arabica, belonging to family Zygophyllaceae, is a medicinal plant widely distributed in the desert areas of the world, including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India and South Africa. The present review aims to explore the published information on the traditional uses, ethnobotanical knowledge, phytochemistry and various biological activities like antioxidant, antimicrobial, thrombolytic activities and anticoagulant effects of Fagonia arabica with critical analysis on the gaps and future perspectives.

Method: A literature survey was performed by searching the digital libraries and the scientific databases including Scopus, Google Scholar, SciFinder, ACS, Web of Science and published books.

Results: Fagonia arabica plant has been reported to have a wide range of traditional uses in sore mouth, smallpox, hematological, neurological, endocrinological, inflammatory, cooling agent in stomatitis, vertigo and endothermic reaction in the body. Several bioactive constituents, including glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids and trace elements, were recorded from Fagonia arabica plant. The isolation and identification of two flavonoid glycosides (kaempferol-7- O-rhamnoside and acacetin-7-O-rhamnoside) were also reported. Fagonia arabica has been studied for its wide range of biological activities, which include antioxidant, antimicrobial, cardioprotective and anticoagulant.

Conclusion: It is apparent from the literature that Fagonia arabica plant possesses a wide range of medicinal and pharmacological uses and has been studied for its various pharmacological activities and medicinal applications. Critical analysis reveals that the plant has huge potential for pharmaceutical and pharmacological applications.

Keywords: Anticoagulant; alkaloids; anticancer; antioxidant; cardioprotective; triterpenoid saponins.