The Genus Anabasis: A Review on Pharmacological and Phytochemical Properties

Abstract

The genus <i>Anabasis</i> has long been used in phytomedicine. The studied parts of <i>Anabasis</i> species are used as antirheumatic, diuretic, antidotes against poison, anti-erosion, anti-ulcer, and antidiabetic agents, as well as against headache and skin diseases. The objective of the present review was to summarize the phytochemical and pharmacological aspects related to the genus <i>Anabasis</i>. The results of this literature analysis show that among all the species of the <i>Anabasis</i> (<i>A</i>) family,<i> A. aphylla, A. Iranica, A. aretioides,</i> and <i>A. articulata</i> showed antibacterial activity; <i>A. aretioides</i> and A. articulata have antioxidant activity, A. aretioides and A. articulata have antidiabetic activity, <i>A. articulata</i> has cytotoxic activity and <i>A. setifera, A. aretioides</i>, and <i>A. articulata</i> exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. The <i>Anabasis</i> genus contains saponins, and alkaloids, such as anabasine, anabasamine, lupinine, jaxartinine, and triterpenic sapogenins. The study of 15 <i>Anabasis</i> plants has identified 70 compounds with an array of pharmacological activities especially antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, there is a need for further studies on <i>Anabasis</i> plants before they can be fully used clinically as a potential drug.