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Medicinal Plants of Arid Zones
Utilization, Cultivation and Conservation
Muhammad Afzal Rizvi and Aftab Saeed
Hamdard Research Institute of Unani Medicine,
Faculty of Eastern Medicine,
Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah,
Karachi-74600, Pakistan.
One third of the earth’s surface (47 billion hectares) is classed as
arid zones. Plant wealth from this arid zones area is known for its
medicinal and nutritional attributes and therapeutic potential. Research on
vast majority of such medicinal plants has revealed interesting results. To
mention some examples, Acacias – resolvents, Aloes – cathartic, antihepatitis, Euphorbiaes – anthelmintics, Lamiaes – rubefacients, Solanaceae –
anticholinergics, Apiaceae – aromatic and carminatives, Zygophyllaceae –
anti-cancers etc. Three decades of research brought into light such amazing
results so as to prove drugs like above mentioned as effective for
contemporary disease situations including malaria, G.I. disorders, STDs
and liver inflammations leading to AIDS. Proper utilization in the light of
their traditional importance or alternative uses in medicine is already
underway round the globe, under different systems of medicine which
proves the efficacy of traditional approach in practise. But it is believed
that natural resources’ extensive utilization and uncontrolled exploitation
may lead to the current wave of herbal therapeutics which may follow
their scarcity in years to come. Therefore large scale, conservation stragegies
and controlled organized cultivation is necessary to keep requisite raw
material supply to the herbal pharmaceutical industry. Hence conservation
methodologies are intensely required to preserve the genetic makeup of the
significant spp. of the arid zones.
Introduction
The plant kingdom has contributed to the health needs of man
over the centuries when no synthetic medicines were available and when
no concept of advance surgical management existed. Although modern
medicine has made tremendous advancement, even then, almost 25% of
all prescribed medicines contain ingredients derived from medicinal plants.
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According to a World Health Organization estimate around 80% of the
world’s (5.76 billion) population in developing world relies on herbal
remedies for their basic health care needs (Choudhary, 2000). One third
of the earth’s surface (47 billion hectares) is classed as arid zones
(Sheikh, 1985). Research on vast majority of arid zones plants have
revealed interesting results e.g. Rauwolfia sp., as anti-hypertensive, Agave
sp., as antiarthritic, Commiphora sp., as hypolipidaemic (Dandiya and
Vohra, 1989) etc.
Many species have been propagated in arid zones such as Evening
Primose has good demand in pharmaceutical and its cultivation needs to
be extended. Cumin is also cultivated in arid areas and its average yield is
250 kg/hectare which can be doubled by resorting to improvement practices
(Anonymous, 1982). Proper utilization and controlled organized cultivation
is necessary to provide regular supply of raw material to the industry as
well as practitioners of Unani Medicine. CITES placed all species of
Aloe except Aloe barbadensis on protected list without warning which has
caused problems in the marketing of Aloes produced from the common
species (Evans, 1996). A number of species are known to have been
endangered and threatened which are used in traditional medicine e.g.,
Commiphora wightii classified as (R), Peganum harmala classified
as (VU), Withania somnifera classified as (EN) etc. So it is asserted by
many that such value able arid zone species must be protected and
propagated through by bio-techniques like the species of Colchicum
luteum, Simmondsia chinesis, Rauwolfia serpentina etc. (Ayensu, 1983;
Anonymous, 1997). Today arid zones species also face extinction or
severe genetic loss but detailed yet organized information is lacking and
even a complete inventory is seriously lacking (Akerele et al., 1991). In
the light of threatening situation the conservation of medicinal plants in
arid zones should be organized for therapeutic utility and constant future
availability.
Phyto-arid Zones
Our world though blessed with wonderful geographical features,
one third of its surface, 47 billion hectares is classed as arid or semi-arid
land (Sheikh, 1985). The major portion of the continent Africa and a
great part of the Asian continent are arid (Chopra et al., 1983). The arid
regions of the world can be broadly divided into three main types:
(a) extremely arid (b) arid and (c) semi-arid zones. Extremely arid,
where precipitation totally lacks any seasonal rhythm and remains at zero
for at least 12 consecutive months; arid, where farming is impossible
without irrigation; semi-arid, where seasonal dry farming is possible. All
arid climates share extreme temperature ranges and unpredictable or
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are green all over and even after severe desiccation, can respond
to moisture. Some plants are Ephemerals, which survive for few
weeks during spring season. In spring they produce flowers and fruits,
whereas they complete their life cycle and die out in dry season. They
survive dry season in the form of seeds that are hard and dry and they
are viable till next year (Chopra et al., 1983). Tamarix is one of the
several plants whose leaves secrete a solution of calcium chloride. The
chemical attracts and absorbs moisture, which is then fed into leaf tissue.
Several plants can survive even with no other water source than
atmospheric moisture (Yearout, 1997). The natural vegetation of arid
regions is of vital importance therefore, attractive for ecologists,
environmentalists, medicinal plant botanists’, economists, agriculturists and
planners to understand as much as possible about the flora and fauna of
arid zones.
Medicinal Plants of the Arid Zones
All known cultures from ancient times to the present day have used
plants as major source of medicines. According to the WHO, nearly
70% of the world’s population use medicinal plant remedies. Over the
last three decades or so the world has witnessed a new resurgence of
interest in the use of plants as medicines. Medicinal plants are important
in all the systems of medicine around the world (Latif, 1992). Their
significance would certainly further increase many fold in the new
millennium. The arid zones have immense potential of medicinal
plants which is needed to be explored, identified, classified and utilized
for promoting the public health with more safety and at affordable
cost.
Examples of some of the known species are as under:
ABUTILON
INDICUM
(L.) SWEET
Country Mallow is a shrubby perennial with cordate, velvety leaves
and yellow flowers. The flowering goes on throughout the year (Baquar
and Tasnif, 1967). Commonly as weed throughout hotter parts ascending
up to an altitude of 1200 m. India, Cambodia, Mozambique (Blatter and
Hallberg, 1984). An infusion made from flowers and mucilage of the
leaves is effective against chest affections particularly haemoptysis and
stop diarrhoea (Rizvi, 1997). Seeds are useful in decoction against piles.
Roots are nervine tonic antipyretic and efficacious in leucoderma. Ethanolic
extract of the plant showed anti-cancer and hypothermic activity
(Usmanghani et al., 1997; Rizvi, 2007).
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ACACIA
NILOTICA
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(L). DELILE
Acacia is an ever green xerophytic desert plant with very long
roots. Pods contain between 8-12 seeds the flowers are yellow. Pinnae
2-8 pairs, leaflets 10-20 pairs. The tree is indigenous to Sindh, Cholistan
desert, Deccan and tropical Africa, Egypt, Arabia, Kuwait and Natal
(Chopra et al., 1983). The extract of flowers relieves palpitation. Handful
of dried flowers powder is said to relieve jaundice (Rizvi, 1996). Kikar
is particularly proposed for diarrhoea, dysentery and diabetes and is
useful in the inflammation of esophagus, gums, throat, blisters and a very
effective remedy to stop bleeding (Said, 1996, Rizvi, 2007).
BALANITES
AEGYPTIACA
DELILE.
A small spiny tree, with bifoliate ashy-green leaves. The fruit is an
ovoid drupe with a sweet pulp. The stone enclose a single oily seed. The
tree is characteristic of drier parts of Arabia, Egypt, Eritrea, tropical
Africa, Burma, India (Blatter and Hallberg, 1984). The seeds, fruit, bark
and leaves are reported to be anthelmintic and purgative. The fruit is also
considered useful for boils, leucoderma and other skin diseases (Chopra
et al., 1983).
CALOTROPIS
PROCERA
(WILLD) R.BR.
Ushr is a shrub 2-2.5 m high, bearing purple-spotted, pink, scented
flowers. Leaves large, 5-12.5 cm long, broadly ovate-oblong, sessile,
opposite and usually somewhat recurved, many seeded. It is distributed
in India, Iran, tropical Africa, Pakistan, and Kuwait. Plant is expectorant,
anthelmintic and alterative. Bark used as diaphoretic and diuretic. Dried
latex is antispasmodic and nervine tonic. Flowers recommended as tonic,
stomachic and digestive. Fresh leaves used as bandage for rheumatic
joints on swellings (Saeed et al., 1990; Rizvi et al., 1998). Owing to is
toxic attributes it is advised to be detoxified before use.
COMMIPHORA
WIGHTII
(ARN.) BHANDANI
Guggul is a woody shrub with spirally ascending branches. Leaves
foliate, leaflet sessile, and flowers small brown to pink. Fruit is a drupe,
red, ovate. The tree grows in the arid rocky tracts of Rajasthan, Arabia,
Sindh, Balochistan, Semi arid-areas in India (Blatter and Hallberg, 1984).
Gum is used as an astringent, antiseptic and internally it acts as
stomachache and carminative. The resin is used in the form of lotion for
indolent ulcers and as a gargle in pyorrhoea alveolaris, chronic tonsillitis
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and pharyngitis (Usmanghani et al., 1997). Recently the gum resin has
found to be associated with its anti-obesity effect due to its hyhpolipidemic
action.
DELPHINIUM ZALIL AIT. HEMSL
Delphinium is a perennial herb with bright yellow flowers found in
Iran and Afghanistan. Delphinium is used to relieve inflammation of the
liver and stomach, disorders of the liver and spleen, to treat oedema
blood pressure and commonly used as diuretic (Anonymous, 1952;
Usmanghani et al., 1997).
EUPHORBIA GRANULATA F ORSSK.
It is a variable densely pubescent to almost glabrous much branched
prostrate annual or perennial herb with 2.0 cm long stems. The herb is
common in deserts and semi deserts. The plant is used as blood purifier
(Ahmad et al., 1995).
EPHEDRA
GERARDIANA
WALL.
Ephedra spp. are known throughout the world. A small nearly
erect shrub, fruit ovoid, red, sweet and edible, 1-2 seeds, are more or less
enclosed by succulent bracts. Ephedra tend to inhabit semi arid or
seasonally dry regions preferably mountain regions. The powder of the
leaves is used with considerable success in cases of bronchial asthma
condition which becomes worse at night. It improves the digestion and
tones up the intestines (Heywood et al., 1982; Said, 1996). Ephedra is
the alkaloid obtained from its potentially effective species from high rise
mountainous like Balochistan and in arid zones of the two continents.
FAGONIA
CRETICA
L.
A small spiny under shrub with stiff, more or less prostrate, branches
found in North-West India, Pakistan and Deccan, Africa and warmer dry
parts of Asia (Blatter and Hallberg, 1984). The plant used as a bitter
astringent, tonic, febrifuge (Behl et al., 1993). The plant has antiseptic
properties. It is supposed to cure throat cancer equipped with ingredients
reputed in Unani Medicine (mercuric sulphide in colloidal form)
(Mahdihassan, 1984).
GREWIA
VILOSA
WILLD
Leaves of this shrub are ovate-orbicular, serrate, flowers dull yellow,
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drupes globose. It is found in tropical Africa and India. The root is used
for diarrhoea. It is used in Africa for smallpox and syphilis. The fruit is
nutritive (Anonymous, 1956).
HYOSCYAMUS
ALBUS
L.
Wild erect herb 80-100 cm high, flowers funnel shaped. Pale yellow,
leaves round cordate. Fruit capsule. The herb grows in Benghazi, Tripoli,
Tarhuna, Jado, Nalut and Mediterranean region and temperate Asia. In
small doses the herb is sedative, analgesic and antispasmodic (Kotb,
1985). Its cultivated stands in Iran and in subcontinent render useful pain
relieving and muscle-relaxing effects.
INDIGOFERA OBLONGIFOLIA FORSSK.
A woody branched under shrub. Leaflets 3-7, oblong, flowers tiny,
bright red with hairy corolla pod glaucous. Found throughout India, and
Sudan. The plant is anti-syphilic. The root is cooling and improves appetite.
Boiled with milk, it is used as purgative. The stems are used for gargles
and salivation for washing teeth (Anonymous, 1959).
JUNIPERUS
COMMUNIS
L.
It is a shrub with bluish-green, narrow stiff needles. It has small
flowers and berries. The plant is common in Libya (Benghazi area),
India, Pakistan, Brazil, and Siberia. Leaves are abortive, used for
hemorrhoids. Oil is diuretic. Fruit is aromatic and carminative. Juniper
berries promote the flow of urine (Lawless, 1993).
KYLING
TRICEPS
ROTTB.
It is a small tufted herb with short rhizome and linear leaves, one
half or nearly as long as stem. Found in Bengal, Sunder bans and Deccan,
Peninsula. The plant is considered as diuretic, anthelmintic, and given for
relief against tumors and intestinal complaints (Anonymous, 1962).
LAVENDULLA OFFICINALIS L.
An evergreen woody shrub. Leaves are narrow, linear. Flowers are
of violet blue color. The whole herb is highly aromatic. Indigenous to the
Mediterranean region, now cultivated all over the world. Regarded as
anti-microbial, antirheumatic, choleretic, sedative etc. In hysteria palsy
and similar disorders of debility and in lack of nerve tonicity, lavender
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acts as powerful stimulant (Lawless, 1993; Said, 1996). The herb is
regarded as a reputed drug for sinusitis and has been experimentally
cultivated in Islamabad.
LAUNAEA
MUCRONATA
(F ORSSK.) M USCHLER
Glabrous herb with yellow juice distributed in India (Rajasthan).
Decoction of the plant is taken against constipation. It is also credited
with galactagouge properties (Blatter and Hallberg, 1984).
MYRTUS
COMMUNIS
L.
It is a small tree with many tough but slender branches, small sharp
pointed leaves. Native to North Africa. It now grows freely all over the
Mediterranean regions (Dioscorides 60 A.D.) prescribed for lungs and
bladder infections. The oil is very useful for relieving children’s cough
and chest complaints. Also used as mouthwash (Lawless, 1993).
NERIUM OLEANDER L.
A shrub with hard stem-whorled leaves. Flowers pink. Fruit capsule.
Cultivated and naturalized plants are found in Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Saudi
Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Pakistan and India. Leaves, flowers and
stem bark possess cardiac tonic properties. Dried leaves are rubbed
upon afflicted part of headache or neuralgia (Alami and Macksad, 1985;
Abu-Aker and Ahmad, 1996, Rizvi, 2007).
OPUNTIA COCHINELLIFERA M ILL.
It is spineless shrub, Cactus with oblong segments, bright red flowers
and reddish fruits. It is probably indigenous to Mexico but now widely
grown in the tropical parts of the world. The fruit of the plant are edible;
they are said to emollient. Plant pounded and rubbed into scalp for
removing dandruff. Leaf decoction is used for treatment of dysentery
(Ayensu, 1981).
OCIMUM
SANCTUM
L.
Annual 30-60 cm high much branched. Leaves elliptic-oblong, flower
in racemes. Found in Pakistan and India. Person effected with chronic
skin disorders such as ringworm, leprosy, blood etc. should make the use
of its leaves. The seed of this plant as demulcent and are useful in urinogenital disorder (Behal et al., 1993).
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PEGANUM HARMALA L.
A bushy herb 30-90 cm high. Leaves are irregularly divided, flowers
are white and fruit is a capsule. The plant is found in the dry Mediterranean
regions of Europe, Africa, Tibet, Kuwait, and desert areas of sub-continent
(Chopra et al., 1983). Powdered seeds are effective as anthelmintic
(tapeworm) and also taken to relieve indigestion. Seeds are mostly used
in aphrodisiac preparations, harmine stimulate the brain. Egyptian studies
show that the extract is marked ly fungicidal and bactericidal.
Recommended in India for syphilis as well as in North Africa for fever
(Usmanghani et al., 1997).
PLANTAGO OVATA F ORSSK.
A stemless, villous annual herb. Leaves, narrow, flowers crowded
on short cylindrical spikes, seeds symbiform. It is cultivated at Hamdard
University, Madinat al-Hikmah, and India etc. Seeds are considered cooling
and diuretic and recommended in febrile conditions and affections of
kidneys, bladder and urethra. Husk is widely held to be refrigerant and
mildly astringent. It is also used in the treatment of chronic constipation
(Baquar and Tasnif, 1967).
RICINUS
CUMMUNIS
L.
The plant is tall, glabrous, perennial shrub. Flower monoecious, both
on large erect panicled racemes, upper males, lower females, fruit capsule.
Tropical generally, probably indigenous in Africa, cultivated throughout
Pakistan and India. Seeds are more effective as purgative than the oil.
Leaves applied to the abdomen promote menstrual discharge (Said, 1996;
Rizvi et al., 1998).
SALVADORA
PERSICA
L.
Large shrub, leaves acute, ovate or oblong-obtuse; drupes round
and scattered, fleshy. Distributed in Karachi, Sindh, Balochistan. Leaves
carminative, diuretic and anthelmintic (Baquar and Tasnif, 1967). Root is
good for dental hygiene.
SOLANUM
MANIATUN
BENTH
EX
WILLD.
An annual herb. Leaves are glabrous, lamina ovate. Flowers are
cymes. Fruits are berry purplish and seeds discoid yellow. It is found in
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the temperate and tropical region of the world. A decoction of the plant
is used in fever. The juice plant is given in chronic enlargement of the
liver (Bhavan’s, 1992).
TAMARIX
DIOICA
ROXB.
The Tamarisk is one of several plants whose leaves secrete a
solution of calcium chloride. The chemical attracts and absorbs moisture,
which is then fed into leaf system. Several plants can survive with no
other water source than atmospheric moisture (Yearout, 1977). Distributed
in Sindh, Balochistan, Arabia, South Africa. Bark and galls are
recommended in diarrhea, dysentery, the ash is carminative diuretic,
hepatoprotective (Chopra et al., 1983; Said, 1996).
WITHANIA
SOMNIFERA
DUNEL.
A branched erect shrub. Leaves are ovate. Flowers greenish,
umbellate cyme. Distributed in Mediterranean region, India, Sri Lanka,
Pakistan and East Africa. Regarded as a narcotic and antiepileptic. It is
used as a cure for lumbago and rheumatism. Withania root finds extensive
use in all cases of general debility, consumption and nervous exhaustion
(Bhavan’s, 1992).
ZIZYPHUS
JUJUBA
LAM .
It is a genus comprising a number of species originally sub-desert.
It is probably from Mongolia and Turkestan. It is distributed in Africa,
Afghanistan, Ceylon, India, China, Australia and Pakistan (Blatter and
Hallberg, 1984). Its fruit is edible and quite pleasant (Chopra et al.,
1983). Fruits are mild laxative and tonic (Said, 1996).
Phyto-Chemical and Pharmacological Aspects
A large portion of the world population relies on medicinal plants for
a variety of diseases. Several hundred genera are used medicinally, mainly
as herbal preparations in the indigenous systems of medicine in different
countries and are source of very potent and powerful drugs (Phillipson,
1999). Plants that grow into the arid zones contain alkaloids, essential
oils, mucilaginous materials, tannins, glycosides etc. (Chopra et al., 1983).
Species in arid zones are found with alkaloid content which are on
occasion very high e.g. Ephedra, Echinocactus, Duboisia, Hyoscyamus,
Peganum, Anabaris, Atropa, Prosopis, Colchicum, Holarrhena. The
secretion of essential oil appear to be more numerous in arid than in
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humid habitats. Species with mucilaginous, vegetative organs and likewise
are more abundant in the arid regions and the mucilage probably also
plays a part in water retention such as in Acacias, Albizias, Cassias,
Tamarindus, Azadirachta, Delonix, Melia, Commiphora, Boswellia
are generally good quality gum-yielding species. Gum resin often contains
small amounts of essential oil and traces of colouring matter in tears or
irregular masses. They are produced for the most part of the plants of
dry, arid regions, especially species of the Apiaceae and Burseraceae
(Abbiw, 1990). A special group comprises the anthraquinone glycosides
found in Aloes and Cassia species that are powerful laxative. Tannins
have the property of precipitating proteins. They are widespread in
arid zone plants, as for example, Acacia, Zizyphus, Cassia, Ficus,
Calotropis, Lawsonia, Eugenia, etc. (Said, 1996). A list of active
constituents is given in Table 1. which are potentially used in medicine
(Ikram and Hussain, 1978; Dandiya and Vohra, 1989; Usmanghani, 1989;
Evans’, 1996).
TABLE 1
List of Active Constituents with Future Potential in Medicine
Co nsti tuents
Pharmacologi cal
Activi ty
Speci es
Fami ly
Ajmalicine
Anti-arrhythmic
Rauwolfia serpentina
Apocynaceae
Anthraquinone
Laxative, Anti-hepatitis
Aloe barbadensis
Liliaceae
Artemisinin
Anti-malarial
Artemisia annua
Asteraceae
Atropine
Anti-cholinergic
Atropa belladona
Solanaceae
Codeine
Analgesic
Papaver somniferum
Papaveraceae
Colchicine
Anticancer
Colchicum autumnale
Liliaceae
Demecolcine
Leukaemia, Lymphomats
Colchicum autumnale
Liliaceae
Digoxin
Cardiotonic
Digitalis purpurea
Scrophulariaceae
Ephedrine
Anti-asthmatic
Ephedra sinica
Ephedraceae
Essential oils
Carminative
Hyssopus officinalis
Lamiaceae
Galanthamine
Analgesic
Voilata speciosa
Amaryllidaceae
Glycyrrhizin
Anti-inflammatory
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Fabaceae
Guggul steroids
Hypolipidemic
Commiphora mukul
Burseraceae
Contd....
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Pharmacologi cal
Activi ty
Vol. 56, No. 4, 2013
Speci es
Fami ly
Harmin
Anthelmintic
Peganum harmala
Zygophyllaceae
Harmine
Stimulant for brain
Peganum harmala
Zygophyllaceae
Hyoscyamine
Anti-cholinergic
Hyoscyamus niger
Solanaceae
Julifloridine
Anti -viral
Prosopis juliflora
Fabaceae
Khellin
Coronary vasodilator
Ammi visnaga
Apiaceae
Leurocristine
Anticancer
Vinca rosea
Apocynaceae
Morphine
Analgesic
Papaver somniferum Papaveraceae
Nicotine
Anti convulsant
Withania somnifera
Solanaceae
Nortrierpenoids
Antipyretic, Antimalarial
Azadirachta indica
Meliaceae
Papain
Anthelmintic
Carica papaya
Caricaceae
Papaverine
Vasodilator
Papaver somniferum Papaveraceae
Pseudoephedrine
Anti- asthmatic
Ephedra sinica
Ephedraceae
Psyllium mucilage
Laxati ve
Plantago ovata
Plantaginaceae
Rescinnamine
Anti-hypertensive
Rauwolfia serpentina Apocynaceae
Reserpine
Adrenolytic, Sedative
Rauwolfia serpentina Apocynaceae
Ricin
Purgative
Ricinus communis
Euphorbiaceae
Santonin
Ascaricide
Artemisia maritima
Asteraceae
Scopolamine
Spasmolytic
Datura metel
Solanaceae
Sennosides A
Laxati ve
Cassia angustifolia
Fabaceae
Solanine
Anti spasmodic
Solanum carolinense Solanaceae
Vinblastine
Anti-cancer
Catharanthus roseus
Apocynaceae
Vincamine
Cerebral stimulant
Vinca rosea
Apocynaceae
Withanine
Adaptogenic, Anti-anxiety Withania somnifera
Solanaceae
Xantho toxin
For vitiligo
Ammi majus
Apiaceae
Yohimbine
Psychogenic impotence
Rauwolfia serpentina Apocynaceae
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Cultivation of Medicinal Plants in Arid Zones
In the ancient times the practitioners of medicines used to collect
the drug samples themselves from the natural place of their occurrence
and they also used to cultivate many herbs around the place of their
practice. The herbalists like Dioscorides (60 A.D.), Ibn Baitar (11971248), Abu Hanifa al-Dinawari in 9th century described Aloes, as a
medicinal herb and its xerophytes habit (Gunther, 1959). Olive is regarded
as one of the oldest tree. Ibn Sina (980-1037 A.D.) mentions that the
olive oil does not change its property for four thousand years due to its
nutritive value (Hasan, 1989). It is now grown in great numbers throughout
the whole Mediterranean basin and is completely tolerant of very dry
conditions. Similarly Lavender is much valued by Muslim physicians who
consider it to be cephalic (tonic) resolvent and prescribe it in chest
affections. It grows well in the dry stations also (Said, 1996).
The Plantain (Ispaghul) is indigenous to Mediterranean region.
India is the chief supplier of Ispaghul in the world market. It is cultivated
in drier parts of India, constipation is of course the main ailment for
which Plantago mucilage is used and has also been successfully cultivated
at Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah, Karachi (Said, 1996).
Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) ongmates from the USA dry
lands in Arizona, California and Mexico. It is now being cultivated in
Brazil, South Africa, Venezuela, Egypt and Argentina. Jojoba tolerates
extreme desert temperature. Jojoba was introduced in Pakistan from
USA in 1979. The Jojoba plant is presently being grown in Karachi
and adjoining districts as well as in the arid zones of Punjab and Sindh.
The present market value is about US $9 per lb (called the liquid gold)
making Jojoba an economic crop for the arid zones areas (Anonymous,
1982).
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is regarded as aromatic, stomachic,
carminative, anti phlegmatic and diuretic. It is suitable for cultivation in
arid areas and very popular in Balochistan and also cultivated in Pishin,
Kalat, Chaghi, Quetta. The average yield is 250 kg/hectare which can be
doubled by resorting to improved practices (Anonymous, 1982).
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is a small shrub. Extensively cultivated
in the warmer regions. In Pakistan it is also cultivated in Tharparkar,
Dadu, Gujrat, Kasur, Sialkot. The oil is believed to have anti-tumor
activity; seeds are frequently used in electuaries prescribed to relieve
sexual debility (Anonymous, 1982).
Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is introduced form Spain
and has adapted well to warmer climate. The beneficial effects of its oil
are treating atopic eczema and non-cyclical mastalgia. Other conditions
in which evening primrose oil is used include psoriasis and multiple
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sclerosis. It has a good demand in pharmaceutical and its cultivation
needs to be extended (Newall et al., 1996).
Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) roots are considered to have
demulcent and expectorant properties. The plant can be grown on a
large scale in the drier regions on loamy soils with stones and free
texture. It is an article of commerce and has a steady demand in the
market.
In general, the outlook for cultivated arid zone plants is considerably
better than wild species.
Nevertheless, economic production of Sisal, Henequen, Wattle and
Gum Arabic is still greatly dependent upon cheap labor with an increasing
world demand for raw materials; however, these products could perhaps
maintain their value despite competition with synthetic material (Cloudsley
Thompson, 1979).
In addition to the above mentioned the following medicinal plants
can be cultivated, propagated and well adapted to the arid zones:
Acacia modesta, Acacia nilotica, Aloea barbadensis, Althaea
officinalis, Atropa belladona, Bauhinia variegata, Butia capitata,
Cassia angustifolia, Cordia myxa, Cymbopogon schoenanthus,
Eleagnus angust ifolia, Syzygium cumini, Halo xylon persicum,
Jatropha curcas, Juniperus virginiana, Lawsonia inermis, Lycium
barbarum, Medicago sativa, Olea europaea, Parthenium argentatum,
Petroselinum sativum, Pistacia chinensis, Prosopis cineraria, Prosopis
juliflora, Ricinus communis, Salvadora oleoides, Salvadora persica,
Sesanum indicum, Sesbania sesban , Solanum incanum, Solanum
nigrum, Tecoma undulata, Ulmus parvifolia, Vinca rosea, Withania
somnifera and Ziziphus mauritiana (Hussain and Sheikh, 1986; Abbiw,
1990; Sheikh, 1993).
Many plants grow equally well in numerous localities having similar
climates and as economedicinal conditions change in one area, so the
collection or cultivation of a drug plant may move in accordance with the
demand. The cultivation of Datura stramonium (England) as a halfhardy annual has long become uneconomic and much material is now
imported from eastern Europe. Similarly, the USA, which at one time
utilized domestic supplies of the Solanaceous drugs and Digitalis, now
obtains such materials from former Yogoslavia, Bulgaria etc. Scarcity of
Acacia form the Sudan prompted the exploitation of the Nigerian gum.
National and international restriction on the collection of wild plants have
also affected the source of some drugs; the Washington Convention on
International Trade in endangered species (CITES) placed all species of
Aloe except Aloe vera on the protected list with out warning which has
caused problems in the marketing of Aloes produced from the usual
species (Evans’, 1996).
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Conservation of Medicinal Plants in Arid Zones
Local business communities, traditional practitioners have used plants
as a source of income and medicine with the currently wide spread use
with the assumption that plants identified as having medicinal properties
will be available on continuing basis. However, no concerted effort has
been made to ensure this availability ignoring the face of threats of
increasing demand by a vastly increasing human population and thus
ultimate extensive destruction or over exploitation becoming evident.
Medicinal plants of the arid zones are the endangered, rare, and vulnerable
species on the surface of earth (Ayensu, 1983; Ali, 2011).
Today, many species of the arid zones are getting extinct or may
face severe genetic loss with detailed information lacking. At present for
many of the endangered species no conservation action has been taken
and for most countries there is not even a complete inventory of arid
zones plants. Some critical species of arid zones that have been indicated
as of potential medical value are listed in (Table II).
TABLE II
Need to be Conserved
Botanical Name
Habi t
Status
Aerva wightii Juss.
Herb
Extinct (EX)
Atropa acuminata Royle
Stout Herb
Endangered
Berberis lycium Royle
Prickly Herb
Vulnerable (VU)
Citrullus colocynthis Schrad.
Runner Herb
Vulnerable
Colchicum luteum Baker
Herb
Vulnerable
Commiphora wightii Arn.
Shrub
Rare (R)
Ephedra gerardiana Wall.
Shrub
Vulnerable
Ephedra nebrodensis Tinea
Shrub
Vulnerable
Ferulas feotida Regel
Herb
Vulnerable
Withania somnifera Dunal
Shrub
Endangered (EN)
Zizyphus sativa L.
Shrub
Rare
The above mentioned medicinal plants are very critical in arid areas
as well as the wild and they should be urgently identified giving priority
in the conservation program (Anonymous, 1997).
Exploration and conservation are the kingpins of the current problems
of genetic resources. Exploration is to salvage threatened resources in
the field, conservation to preserve new as well as existing collections.
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Even if no further material is to be added, the effective conservation of
material now in possession of institutions the world over is an important
issue that requires serious attention. In exploration there is a need for
urgent action in the field, on as broad a front as possible, while the need
in conservation is for effective organization (Frankel, 1977). Conservation
of plant genetic resources is the only means to ensure that their potential
for improving the living standard of human beings can be achieved. The
two basic approaches to conservation are in-situ and ex-situ methods
viz. (Anwar et al., 1993).
a) in-situ conservation through the establishment of biosphere
reserves where several threatened species happen to grow within a few
hectares. Conservation of in-situ, clearly the most effective form for
wild biota.
b) ex-situ conservation through living plants in botanical gardens
as seeds in seed bank and as tissue cultures.
In the light of above situation, WHO, WWF, IUCN, EPA, etc. have
launched a fund raising drive to support a specific conservation to save
arid zones plants. The conservation of arid zones plant seeds has already
been started in a special chamber (Gene bank) named as Hakim
Mohammed Said Chamber at Plant Genetic Resources Institute (PGRI),
Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Conservation Plan for Future in Arid Zones
The conservation plan for future in arid zones is also a hot topic of
the day where following steps are needed to be taken:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Identification of threatened species in arid zones.
Identification of possible care takers for threatened species.
Setting up of demonstration gardens to create interest in local people
in farming medicinal plants which help in the conservation of
threatened species also.
One of the arid zones Acacia species does not produce sufficient
seeds for cultivation. Tissue culture techniques produce many plants
in a short period of time. It should be employed intensively.
Research must now be intensified on the chemistry and proper
conservation of endangered plants of use in traditional medicine.
Establish national research capability with the network of international
research institutions to tackle the problems of arid and semi-arid
areas economic plant and medicinal plants.
Plant Tissue Cultures Laboratory (PTCL) as alternative to
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Acacia nilotica (Babool/Kikar) blooming in front of the Mousoleum of
Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said, old tree secreting Gum Acacia in wild
Fagonia cretica (Dhamasa) like other hard soil Zygophyllaceae members with
beautiful purple flowers found wild in the hot and dry topographical zone of
Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah
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Sesamum indicum (Till) plant from successive crops in the Centre for Horticulture,
Hamdard University, Madinat al-Hikmah (MINFAL Project, 2011, 2012, 2013)
Cammiphora wightii (Gugul) in shade house – Conservation Exhibit at the
Faculty of Eastern Medicine, Hamdard Univeristy, Madinat al-Hikmah
(MINFAL Project, 2012, 2013)
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Conservation through living plants in botanical gardens to develop
seed bank and tissue culture techniques should be emphasized.
Wild plants of the arid zones render constituents’ being important
part of the diversity of habitats where diversity is the key to the balance
of nature. It has to be maintained through conservation and in vitro
techniques.
National parks, which are established to protect particular habitat,
have considerably more chance of sustainable development and thus
source of saving wide varieties of arid zones plants.
Acknowledgement
Authors are highly indebted on the behalf of the Ministry of
Agriculture for supporting propagation and conservation work for Medicinal
Plants undertaken at Hamdard University, especially for project grant to
Dr. Mohammad Aslam, Commissioner Minor crops, Ministry of Agriculture
(Member) (at present Crop Commissioner Minor Crops, Ministry of Food
Security, to the component of Hamdard University, Projector Advisor
Prof. Dr. Hakim Abdul Hannan (at present Vice Chancellor Hamdard
University), to the President Hamdard Foundation Pakistan for her kind
consent to undertake Medicinal Plants Crop Production experiments and
training/ training w/shops at the Centre for Horticulture (CFH), Hamdard
University, Madinat al-Hikmah. We remain grateful to Dr. Navaidul Zafar,
Managing Director, Hamdard Laboratories (Waqf) Pakistan for his
encouragement and Hamdard Laboratories’ Purchase Department
(Mr. Ahmed Ali Khan and Mr. Saleemuddin) for discussion advise and
consultation to grow required species and consumed at the Hamdard
Laboratories (Waqf) Pakistan. To Mr. Muhammad Arif, Incharge/
Purchase & Marketing Officer, Bagh & Centre for Horticulture for
making timely arrangements for seeds, spray, irrigation and transport
during the course of the project execution.
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