Investigation of the phytochemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Alhagi maurorum, family Fabaceae

Abstract

Alhagi maurorum Boiss known as Camelthorn is a plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is a perennial, spiny, densely branched shrub with long spines along the branches. A. maurorum is widely distributed in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia countries where it has long been used in folk medicine. The present study aimed at the standardization and profiling of the polyphenol-rich fraction ethyl acetate fraction (EFAM) of A. maurorum aerial parts. In addition, the evaluation of the antioxidant, cytotoxic activity of A. maurorum crude extract (CEAM) and its fractions, namely, ethyl acetate (EFAM), and n-butanol (BFAM). Furthermore, the antiulcerogenic activity of A. maurorum aerial parts extract and fractions was evaluated in vivo on chemically induced tongue ulcers in rats together with evaluating the underlying mechanisms for such activity.