Phytopharmacological Assessment of Some Medicinal Plants of Thal Desert of Pakistan

Abstract

The presence of secondary metabolites and various ions in a plant determines its phytophamacological potential. Desert plants are adapted to stressful environmet by synthesizing secondary metabolites and ions accumulation as osmoticum.The present study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacological potential of Thal desert plants in term of their metabolites and nutrient ions concentrations. Five specimens of seasonally available herbs and three of trees of Thal desert plants were colected. After collection specimens were analysed for alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, sugar and ion contents. The data were analyzed statistically and means were compared by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Among the herbs Panicum antidotale root showed highest terpenoid, K+ ion and Ca+ ion contents. The herb Aerva javanica stem showed lowest alkaloid, tannin, soluble sugar, phosphorus, potassium and calcium contents. Among trees specimens, Tamarix aphylla leaves showed highest soluble sugar, phosphorous, potassium and calcium contents. Stem of Acacia modesta showed the lowest alkaloid, terpenoid, phosphorous and potassium contents.