The Genus : A Review on Pharmacological and Phytochemical Properties.

The genus has long been used in phytomedicine. The studied parts of 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 . The results of this literature analysis show that among all the species of the () family, and showed antibacterial activity; and A. articulata have antioxidant activity, A. aretioides and A. articulata have antidiabetic activity, has cytotoxic activity and , and exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. The genus contains saponins, and alkaloids, such as anabasine, anabasamine, lupinine, jaxartinine, and triterpenic sapogenins. The study of 15 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 plants before they can be fully used clinically as a potential drug.