Phytochemical and Biological studies of Anabasis setifera (Moq.) and Haloxylon schmittiana (Pomel) Growing in Egypt

Abstract

The Family Chenopodiaceae comprises several plants of special importance as they possess different constituents and uses. From different species of therapeutic and edible values , Anabasis setifera (Moq.) and Haloxylon schmittiana (Pomel) have been chosen for this study. Different species of Haloxylon are used in traditional medicine as a remedy of coryza, treatment of internal ulcer , oral hypoglyceamic , in wound dressing, antirheumatic, vasoconstrictor and as cardiotonic. In addition , certain Anabasis and Haloxylon species were reported as sources of insecticides.

I The present study is carried out to detect , isolate and identify the chemical constituents of the two plants under investigation , in addition to the evaluation of certain biological activities of extracts from both plants and fractions obtained thereof, aiming to assess the different bioactivities and to I justify the use of both plants in folk medicine . The present work includes: I l. Literature survey on Anabasis and Haloxylon species concerning their uses , the different phytoconstituents reported in them as well as the I taxonomy of both genera under investigation and family Chenopodiaceae. II. Phytochemical Study 1. Preliminary Phytochemical Investigation : a) Preliminary phytochemical screening of the aerial parts ofA.setifera and H.schmittiana revealed that both plants are qualitatively similar in their constituents; indicating the presence of volatile substances , carbohydrates and/or glycosides , tannins , flavonoids , alkaloids and/or nitrogenous bases, unsaturated sterols and/or triterpenes , protein and/or amino acids, also saponins and coumarins [being in traces in H.schmittiana]; while sublimable substances , cardenolides, anthraquinones and oxidase enzymes could not be detected . I b) The percentage yield of successive extractives prepared with selective organic solvents were determined for the aerial parts of the two plants . These extractives were screened for the different phytoconstituents.