Egyptian Medicinal Plants and Foods: A Review on Phytoconstituents and Diuretic Activity

Document Type : Original research articles

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Abstract

In modern day to day practice diuretics can be used as a first line therapy in many diseases. Herbal medicines are in great demand in the developed as well as in the developing countries for primary health care because of their wide biological and medicinal activities, higher safety margins and lesser costs. The numerous diuretic plants and foods in Egypt with their active phytoconstituents have been explored. Such plants and foods include Khella (Ammi visnaga, L.), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), Barley (Hordeum vulgare), Halfa Bar (Cymbopogon proximus) and Gum Arabic (Acacia senegal). This work may prove a milestone in selection of medicinal plant/foods for carrying their work on the diuretics. Such evidence is needed to provide scientific credence to the folklore use of traditional medicines and even be helpful in the development of future medicines and treatments and treatment guidelines.

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