Medicinal Plants Native to Saudi Arabia

Flashcards covering the vocabulary, statistics, specific medicinal plants, and botanical families native to Saudi Arabia as discussed in the lecture notes.

Total Flora Area of KSA

The Kingdom covers about $1,969,000\,km^2$ and represents 2/3 of the Arabian subcontinent.

Edaphic variables

The variables related to soil or topography (التضاريسية) that contribute to variations in medicinal plant distribution.

Anthropogenic pressures

The human-related pressures (البشرية) that influence the distributional behavior of medicinal plants.

Arid zones characteristics

Ecological regions characterized as fragile, difficult to develop, and having sparse vegetation that is highly specialized morphologically and physiologically.

Total flowering plant species in KSA

The total number of flowering plant species recorded in the flora of Saudi Arabia is $2172$ species.

Haloxylon salicornicum

Locally known as “Armas”, it is a stout herb with green succulent branches used to treat jaundice, gall bladder stones, and joint diseases.

Juniperus procera

Locally known as “Arar”, it is a long tree with needle-like leaves used for liver disease, jaundice, and digestive problems.

Peganum harmala

Locally known as “Harmal/Naqt”, it is a glabrous shrub used in traditional medicine for jaundice, digestive disorders, and arthritis.

Pergularia daemia

Locally known as “Ghalqa”, it is a climbing plant with thin glabrous leaves used for jaundice and inflammatory disorders.

Cassia italica

Commonly called SENNA or Senna Mecca, known for the laxative yielded by its leaves and pods.

Heliotropium ramosissimum

Locally called “RAM-RAM”, used as a remedy for snake bites or boiled in water as a mouthwash for sore gums and blisters.

Acacia raddiana

Commonly called TALH, it produces large amounts of Arabic gum (AL-SAMGH AL-'ARABI) and is used in cough and eye medications.

Acacia Nilotica

Locally called GARAT, its seeds are grounded into powder to dry out second degree burns.

Portulaca oleracea

Locally known as “Rizlah” and “Farfahena”, it is an annual herb used for liver disorders and gastrointestinal problems.

Apocynaceae phytopharmaceuticals

Family members contain latex rich in terpenes, alkaloids, cardenolides, cyanogenetic glycosides, saponins, and tannins.

Calotropis procera

A plant whose leaves and latex are used for treating wounds, pain, scorpion stings, and strengthening muscles.

Echium angustifolium

A member of the Boraginaceae family whose leaves are used for hepatitis, kidney issues, skin problems, and healing wounds.

Anastatica hierochuntica

Known as Kaff Maryam, it is used for menstrual cramps, asthma, depression, high blood pressure, and to ease childbirth.

Citrullus colocynthis

Known as Al-Hanzal (الحنظل), its parts are used to treat dog, insect, and snake bites, and as a laxative.

Ricinus communis

Known as Al-Khirwa (الخروع), its dried leaves are burnt and the smoke inhaled for bad breath; also used for ulcers and rheumatic pain.