
Figure 1: Method of generating MP checklist for Saudi Arabia
No. |
Family |
Botanical name |
Local name |
Plant habit |
Part used |
Uses |
Mode of preparation |
Legal Use |
IUCN |
Ref. |
1 |
Aizoaceae |
TrianthemaportulacastrumL. |
Laani |
Herb |
Leaves,roots |
Used for the treatment of asthma. |
Powder |
|
EN |
[40,50] |
2 |
Amaranthaceae |
Celosiatrigyna |
Trgana |
Herb |
Leaves, flowers |
It is used to treat menstruation bleeding, diarrhea, boils, skin and heart diseases. |
Decoction, raw, paste |
|
EN |
[1,31,40,45] |
3 |
Apiaceae |
Ammimajus |
Khelah Shytani |
Herb |
Whole plant |
It is used to treat toothache, asthma, carminative, angina pectoris, different skin diseases, skin cancer, the urinary system as a diuretic, contraception and general tonic. |
Decoction, powder, infusion |
Yes |
NE |
[33,45] |
4 |
Apiaceae |
AnethumgraveolensL. |
Shabat |
Herb |
Whole plant |
Use for respiratory diseases, colic, appetiser, mouthwash, carminative, backache, the urinary system as a diuretic, aphrodisiac, abortionist, astringent, cordial, laxative for the digestive system, tonic, antiseptic, anthelmintic, in liver and spleen problems and antispasmodic. |
Powder or raw |
Yes |
EN |
[1,33,40,42,43,50] |
5 |
Apiaceae |
ApiumgraveolensL. |
Karafs |
Herb |
Leaves, roots, seeds |
Use for liver and spleen disorder, urinary tract infections and pains, incontinence, kidney problems, appetiser, tonic, high blood pressure, purgative, vermifugal, antiasthmatic, anti- rheumatoid, antispasmodic, colic, sedative, anticonvulsant, calming |
Raw, drink |
Yes |
EN |
[29,33,40,44,45] |
6 |
Apiaceae |
Deverratortuosa(Desf.) DC. |
Hazza |
Herb |
Stems and flowers |
Used for urinary system problems |
Decoction, infusion |
|
EN |
[40,44] |
7 |
Apiaceae |
FoeniculumvulgareMill. |
Shamr, Snot |
Herb |
Seeds, leaves, stem |
Use for abdominal colic, cough and as a toothbrush |
Decoction, raw |
Yes |
NE |
[29,42,43,45] |
8 |
Apocynaceae |
CynanchumacutumL. |
Al-Modeed |
Herb |
Leaves and stems |
Used to treat diabetes, bacterial infections, and skin diseases |
Decoction, infusion |
|
EN |
[1,40,65] |
9 |
Apocynaceae |
NeriumoleanderL. |
Haban, Dafla |
Shrub |
Leaves, roots |
Used for coughs and bronchitis, as well as for skin diseases. |
Smoke, drink, paste |
|
EN |
[31,40,43,45] |
10 |
Apocynaceae |
Solenostemmaarghel(Delile) Hayne |
Al-Argal |
Shrub |
Leaves |
Use for cough and rheumatic |
Decoction, powder |
Yes |
NE |
[1] |
11 |
Arecaceae |
PhoenixdactyliferaL. |
Nakhl, Tammar |
Tree |
Fruit, seeds |
Use for digestive, skin, as a general tonic, cardiovascular, and aphrodisiac |
Raw, infusion, paste |
Yes |
NE |
[29,43,45] |
12 |
Arecaceae |
Hyphaenethebaica(L.) Mart. |
Doom |
Tree |
Seeds |
Use for cardiac stimulation, antimicrobial, skin, respiratory, urologic, and reproductive tract |
Infusion, drink, powder |
Yes |
NE |
[1,29] |
13 |
Asparagaceae |
DracaenaombetHeuglin ex Kotschy & Peyr. |
Azef |
Tree |
Resin |
Used for treating haemorrhage and skin infections |
Paste |
|
EN |
[1,54,66] |
14 |
Asparagaceae |
DracaenaserrulataBaker |
Ariyeb |
Tree |
Resin from trunks and branches |
Used as a pain reliever, treat haemorrhage and skin infections |
Paste |
|
EN |
[43,54] |
15 |
Asteraceae |
Achilleafragrantissima(Forssk.) Sch.Bip. |
Qaissom |
Shrub |
Whole plant |
Use for fever, antimicrobial, nervous system, skeletal system, and digestive system disorders |
Decoction |
Yes |
NE |
[1,33,45] |
16 |
Asteraceae |
ArtemisiajudaicaL. |
Beithran |
Shrub |
Leaves, flowers |
Use to cure cough, cold, fever, carminative, emmenagogue, menstruation, regulator, and nervous system |
Decoction |
Yes |
NE |
[33,45,49,50] |
17 |
Asteraceae |
Matricariaaurea(Loefl.) Sch.Bip. |
Babunag |
Herb |
Flowers, whole plant |
Use for digestive, neurologic, respiratory, muscular, skeletal, reproductive, urologic, ear and throat, cardiovascular, skin, endocrine |
Infusion, drink |
Yes |
NE |
[1,43,45] |
18 |
Asteraceae |
Glebioniscoronaria(L.) Cass. ex Spach |
Aqhuan Al Ha |
Herb |
Whole plant |
Use for gonorrhoea, strong laxative, relieve the inflamed parts |
Raw, powder |
Yes |
EN |
[40,45] |
19 |
Asteraceae |
CrepisrueppelliiSch. Bip. |
Labnh |
Herb |
Leaves |
Used for jaundice and liver pains. |
Decoction, raw |
|
EN |
[40,43,45] |
20 |
Asteraceae |
DicomatomentosaCass. |
Marar |
Herb |
Whole plant |
Used to postpartum fever and wounds |
Decoction |
|
EN |
[40,45] |
21 |
Asteraceae |
Launaeaintybacea(Jacq.) Beauverd |
Dahana |
Herb |
Whole plant |
It is used for the treatment of dry cough. |
Decoction, infusion |
|
EN |
[40,50] |
22 |
Asteraceae |
Sonchusasper |
Almoqbabah alkaberah - Eiltifaf |
Herb |
Leaves |
Used for body pain |
Drink |
|
EN |
[40,51] |
23 |
Boraginaceae |
EhretiaobtusifoliaHochst. ex A.DC. |
Lakhf, Al- sab, Masuk |
Shrub |
Stem, Branches |
Used to relieve body pain |
Decoction |
|
EN |
[40,47,67] |
24 |
Brassicaceae |
AnastaticahierochunticaL. |
Kaff Maryam |
Herb |
Whole plant |
It is used to treat respiratory diseases and during childbirth. |
Infusion |
Yes |
NE |
[33, 43,45,46,50] |
25 |
Brassicaceae |
Brassicarapa |
Khardal |
Herb |
Roots, leaves, seeds, whole plant |
Use for wounds, diuretic, cough, antipruritic, leukoderma, tooth pain, increased bile secretion, as aphrodisiac |
Decoction, paste |
Yes |
EN |
[1,33,40,45,47] |
26 |
Brassicaceae |
Erucasativa |
Rocka |
Herb |
Seeds, leaves |
Use for sexual weakness, antimicrobial, antiscorbutic, stimulant, diuretic, stomachic, hair tonic |
Raw, oil |
Yes |
NE |
[33,45,46] |
27 |
Brassicaceae |
LepidiumsativumL. |
Rashad |
Herb |
Leaves, seeds |
Use for aches and pains, as an emollient and for measles, treat stomach troubles |
Decoction, powder, raw, paste |
Yes |
NE |
[29,42,43,45] |
28 |
Burseraceae |
Commiphoramyrrha(T.Nees) Engl. |
Myrrh |
Tree |
Resin |
Use for treating colds, fever, to help digestion and treat haemorrhoids, antimicrobial, expectorant, carminative, antiseptic, astringent, and toothache |
Smoke, burned, infusion, drops, Paste |
Yes |
NE |
[1,29,43] |
29 |
Caryophyllaceae |
DianthusdesertiKotschy |
Ud al-lhilba |
Herb |
Roots |
Used for sprains. |
Powder, paste |
|
EN |
[40,43] |
30 |
Caryophyllaceae |
Gypsophilavaccaria(L.) Sm. |
Vaccaria |
Herb |
Seed, roots |
Used as anti- flatulence, appetite enhancer and |
Decoction, infusion |
|
EN |
[40,45,68] |
31 |
Cleomaceae |
Cleomedroserifolia(Forssk.) Delile |
Zaaf |
Shrub |
The air-dried herb |
Used for sore eyes |
Powder, paste |
|
EN |
[40,43,69] |
32 |
Convolvulaceae |
ConvolvulusarvensisL. |
Olaique |
Herb |
Roots, leaves, fruits |
Use for foot cracking and anti- haemorrhagic |
Powder |
Yes |
NE |
[43,45,46] |
33 |
Crassulaceae |
Umbilicusrupestris(Salisb.) Dandy |
Sarat Al- Sakhr |
Herb |
Leaves |
Used for skin inflammation, wounds, burns disinfectant, parasiticidal, and as an eye disinfectant |
Decoction, infusion |
|
EN |
[40,47,70] |
34 |
Euphorbiaceae |
EuphorbiaammakSchweinf. |
Amk sabur |
Tree |
The latex |
Used on painful joints. |
Paste |
|
VU |
[43,54] |
35 |
Fabaceae |
AlhagigraecorumBoiss. |
Aaqool |
Herb |
Whole herb |
Use for rheumatism, anti- tussive, anti- haemorrhoids, laxative, diuretic, expectorant, aphrodisiac, analgesic, and for opacity of the cornea |
Drink, oil, decoction |
Yes |
NE |
[1,48,49] |
36 |
Fabaceae |
ClitoriaternateaL. |
Hareejah |
Shrub |
Leaves, roots, seeds |
It is used to treat gonorrhoea, irritation of the urinary bladder, diuretic respiratory diseases, ulcers, indigestion, flatulence and vermifuge. |
Decoction |
|
EN |
[40,45,48] |
37 |
Fabaceae |
GlycyrrhizaglabraL. |
Eirqsos |
Herb |
Leaves, roots |
Use for treating muscle pain, indigestion, cough, as an expectorant, pain reliever and a purgative |
Powder |
Yes |
EN |
[29,40,43] |
38 |
Fabaceae |
Melilotusalbus |
Otrah |
Herb |
Whole plant |
Used as an astringent and as a narcotic, also as to treat rheumatic pain |
Decoction |
|
EN |
[40,43,45] |
39 |
Fabaceae |
ScorpiurusmuricatusL. |
Dhanab Al- Aqrab Al- Shaek |
Herb |
Leaves, stems |
Used to urinary tract infections |
Infusion |
|
EN |
[40,44] |
40 |
Fabaceae |
Senegaliasenegal(L.) Britton |
Samg Arabic |
Tree |
Bark, resin |
Use for respiratory, digestive, muscular, neurologic, reproductive, urologic, endocrine, cardiovascular, skin, setting bones, general tonic and antiseptic |
Powder, paste |
Yes |
NE |
[29,43] |
41 |
Fabaceae |
SennaalexandrinaMill. |
Sana makki |
Herb |
Leaves, fruit |
Use for stomach cramps and constipation |
Decoction |
Yes |
NE |
[42,43,45,48] |
42 |
Fabaceae |
Sennaholosericea(Fresen.) Greuter |
Ashraq |
Herb |
Leaves, seeds, fruits |
Use for treating nervous diseases, laxative, tonic for the digestive system, flatulence, purgative |
Decoction |
Yes |
NE |
[33,43,45] |
43 |
Fabaceae |
Senna italica |
Ashrq |
Herb |
Leaves, seeds, fruits |
Use for inflammations, treat constipation, stomach cramps, purgative, alexipyretic, urinary tract purifier, expectorant |
Decoction |
Yes |
NE |
[29,33,42,43] |
44 |
Fabaceae |
Vachelliaorigena(Hunde) Kyal. & Boatwr. |
Salam |
Tree |
Leaves |
Used for sore eyes |
Decoction |
|
NT |
[42,43,54] |
45 |
Lamiaceae |
TeucriumcapitatumL. |
Jaada |
Shrub |
Leaves |
Use for diabetes, fever, liver problems, anti- cancer, endocrinal disorders |
Decoction |
Yes |
NE |
[1,31,43] |
46 |
Lamiaceae |
Menthalongifolia(L.) L. |
Naana |
Herb |
Leaves |
Use for treating coughs, difficulty breathing, fevers, headache, stomach problems, chills, menstrual cramps, renal and urinary bladder stones. |
Decoction, drying |
Yes |
NE |
[31,42,43,50] |
47 |
Lamiaceae |
Salvia Roth |
Dharah |
Shrub |
Leaves |
Used to relieve headaches, joint- and muscle pain, also to skin problems |
Infusion |
|
EN |
[40,42] |
48 |
Lamiaceae |
Salvialanigera |
Maryamia |
Herb |
Aerial parts |
Use for indigestion and as carminative |
Drink |
Yes |
NE |
[1,31] |
49 |
Lamiaceae |
ThymusdecussatusBenth. |
Za’atar |
Shrub |
Whole herb |
Use for nausea |
Decoction |
Yes |
EN |
[1,31,40] |
50 |
Lamiaceae |
OcimumamericanumL. |
Habaq |
Herb |
Leaves |
Use for parasitic skin diseases, ear and throat, respiratory, reproductive, digestive |
Infusion, decoction |
Yes |
NE |
[1,29] |
51 |
Lamiaceae |
syriacum Origanum |
Bardaqush |
Shrub |
Leaves |
Use for antitussive, anti-inflammatory, skin, ear, throat, digestive, respiratory, muscular, reproductive, neurologic, cardiovascular |
Infusion, decoction, powder |
Yes |
NE |
[1,29] |
52 |
Lamiaceae |
LavandulaatriplicifoliaBenth. |
Lavender |
Shrub |
Flowers |
Use for digestive |
Infusion |
Yes |
EN |
[29,40] |
53 |
Lythraceae |
LawsoniainermisL. |
Henna |
Shrub |
Leaves, branches,flowers, young buds |
Use for fever, anti- inflammatory, local anaesthetic, treating mouth ulcers, soften the skin of hands and feet, hair tonic, hair colour, as a cosmetic, skin diseases, headache, allays swelling and muscle pain, spleen tumour |
Powder, raw |
Yes |
NE |
[33,42,43,45] |
54 |
Menispermaceae |
Cocculushirsutus(L.) W.Theob. |
Hamr al majnun |
Shrub |
Leaves and roots |
Used for fever, emetic, demulcent, for digestive problems, as a purgative and for treating venereal diseases, skin rash and as a pain reliever. |
Decoction, powder |
|
EN |
[40,43] |
55 |
Moraceae |
Ficuspalmata |
Hamat |
Shrub |
Latex, fruits |
Used as an analgesic, soothing and laxative and in diseases of the lungs and bladder |
Drops |
|
EN |
[40,42,45] |
56 |
Moringaceae |
Moringaperegrina(Forssk.) Fiori |
Moringa |
Tree |
Seeds, leaves |
Use for back and muscle pains, burns, fever, headache, abdominal pain and constipation, and during labour in childbirth |
Infusion, powder, oil |
Yes |
NE |
[1,43,45] |
57 |
Myrtaceae |
MyrtuscommunisL. |
Ace Marouf |
Shrub |
Leaves, oil, fruit |
Use for skin, stomach, and liver diseases, bladder, in the treatment of indigestion, epilepsy, and mouth ulcers, relieve scorpion stings, helps in hair growth, diuretic, bleeding, as a germicide, disinfectant, for rheumatism, strong laxative, internal ulcers, respiratory problems, and tonic for brain and heart |
Decoction, oil, paste |
Yes |
EN |
[29,40,45] |
58 |
Oleaceae |
Oleaeuropaea |
Zeetoun |
Tree |
Resin, fruit, leaves and bark |
Use for neurologic, respiratory, digestive, muscular, reproductive, ear and throat, cardiovascular, skin rashes, constipation, cataracts, bone fractures, blisters and ulcers |
Raw |
Yes |
NE |
[29,42,43,45] |
59 |
Orobanchaceae |
Cistanchetubulosa(Schenk) Wight ex Hook.f. |
Dhanun, Zanoon |
Herb |
Stem, leaves and flowers |
Used for treating diarrhoea |
Decoction |
|
EN |
[33,40,43,45] |
60 |
Plantaginaceae |
Plantagoovata |
Rebla, Qurayta |
Herb |
Seeds |
Use for chronic colitis, an emollient, demulcent and astringent, a diuretic and for treating venereal diseases |
Infusion, decoction, powder |
Yes |
NE |
[1,43,45] |
61 |
Plantaginaceae |
Plantagoafra |
Kzaam, Gteena |
Herb |
Seeds |
It is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, ulcers, strong laxative, colon disorders and dysentery ulcerative. |
Powder |
Yes |
NE |
[45,52] |
62 |
Plumbaginaceae |
PlumbagozeylanicaL. |
Ensain |
Shrub |
Roots and stems |
Used for treating skin problems, also for leprosy |
Powder |
|
EN |
[1,40,43] |
63 |
Poaceae |
Cymbopogonschoenanthus(L.) Spreng. |
Azkar |
Herb |
Whole plant |
Use for anorexia, polyarthritis, hysteritis, analgesic, sedative, expectorant, prevent skin problems, antispasmodic, hypotension, carminative, colic gripes, flatulence |
Decoction, infusion |
Yes |
NE |
[1,33,45] |
64 |
Poaceae |
HordeumvulgareL. |
Shaeir |
Herb |
Seeds |
Use for cardiovascular, neurologic, urinary tract infections and retention |
Decoction, infusion, drink |
Yes |
NE |
[29,44] |
65 |
Polygonaceae |
CalligonumcomosumL'Hér. |
Arta’a |
Shrub |
Stems, leaves, whole plant |
Use as an antimicrobial, and toothache |
Drying |
Yes |
NE |
[31,43] |
66 |
Polygonaceae |
Rumexcyprius |
Hamsis |
Herb |
Leaves |
Used for retentions of blood in the urine and urinary tract infections |
Eat |
|
EN |
[40,44,71] |
67 |
Portulacaceae |
PortulacaoleraceaL. |
Regla |
Herb |
Whole plant |
Use as an anti- inflammation, constipation, and as a diuretic |
Raw, paste |
Yes |
NE |
[43,45,46] |
68 |
Rhamnaceae |
Ziziphusspina-christi(L.) Desf. |
Sedr |
Tree |
Leaves, fruit, seeds, bark |
Use for duodenum and stomach ache, headache, blisters, bruises, chest pains, fractures, mouth and gum problems |
Decoction, powder, raw, infusion, paste |
Yes |
NE |
[42,43,45,46] |
69 |
Rosaceae |
Crataegus×sinaicaBoiss. |
Alzaroor |
Shrub |
Leaves, fruits |
Used for sexual weakness, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, as well as diabetes |
Decoction |
|
EN |
[40,47,72] |
70 |
Rosaceae |
Prunusarabica(Olivier) Meikle |
Louisa |
Shrub |
Whole plant |
Used for indigestion and as an appetizer |
Infusion |
|
NT |
[45,52,54] |
71 |
Rubiaceae |
Pyrostriaphyllanthoidea(Baill.) Bridson |
Samah |
Shrub |
Leaves |
Used to treat burns |
Paste |
|
VU |
[51,54] |
72 |
Sapindaceae |
Allophylusrubifolius(Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Engl. |
Zerkim |
Shrub |
Leaves |
Used for treating skin ulcers and boils |
Powder |
|
EN |
[40,43] |
73 |
Tamaricaceae |
Tamarixaphylla(L.) H.Karst. |
Athal |
Tree |
Leaves |
Use for sores, wounds, wound infection stomach ache, headache, fever, bitter, astringent, tonic, eczema capitis, and during childbirth |
Paste |
Yes |
NE |
[42,43,45,46] |
74 |
Zygophyllaceae |
Balanitesaegyptiaca(L.) Delile |
Heglig |
Tree |
Stem bark, fruits |
Used to treat yellow fever, syphilis, jaundice, epilepsy, liver and spleen problems |
Decoction |
|
EN |
[1,40,45] |
EN: Endangered, VU: Vulnerable, NT: Near Threatened, NE: Not Evaluated
Table 1: Priority list of medicinal plants of Saudi Arabia
Figure 1: Method of generating MP checklist for Saudi Arabia
Figure 2: Schematic prioritisation of MPs of Saudi Arabia
Tables at a glance
Figures at a glance