Medicinal Plants of Arid Zones - Regional Office for the Eastern
Transcription
Medicinal Plants of Arid Zones - Regional Office for the Eastern
Hamdard Medicus 53 Vol. 56, No. 4, 2013 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. Hamdard Medicus 54 Vol. 56, No. 4, 2013 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 Hamdard Medicus 56 Vol. 56, No. 4, 2013 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). Hamdard Medicus ACACIA NILOTICA 57 Vol. 56, No. 4, 2013 (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 Hamdard Medicus 58 Vol. 56, No. 4, 2013 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, Hamdard Medicus 59 Vol. 56, No. 4, 2013 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 Hamdard Medicus 60 Vol. 56, No. 4, 2013 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). Hamdard Medicus 61 Vol. 56, No. 4, 2013 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 Hamdard Medicus 62 Vol. 56, No. 4, 2013 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 Hamdard Medicus 63 Vol. 56, No. 4, 2013 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.... Hamdard Medicus Co nsti tuents 64 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 Hamdard Medicus 65 Vol. 56, No. 4, 2013 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 Hamdard Medicus 66 Vol. 56, No. 4, 2013 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). Hamdard Medicus 67 Vol. 56, No. 4, 2013 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. Hamdard Medicus 68 Vol. 56, No. 4, 2013 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 Hamdard Medicus 70 Vol. 56, No. 4, 2013 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 Hamdard Medicus 71 Vol. 56, No. 4, 2013 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) Hamdard Medicus 78 Vol. 56, No. 4, 2013 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. 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