Alhagi maurorum var. maurorum

Alhagi maurorum var. maurorum, commonly known as camelthorn, is a resilient perennial shrub valued in traditional medicine. Native to arid regions, it possesses significant bioactive properties. Research suggests its extracts may offer anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant benefits, making it a subject of interest for treating various metabolic and inflammatory conditions.

  • Scientific name: Alhagi maurorum var. maurorum
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Alhagi maurorum var. maurorum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. It is further identified by the genus Alhagi.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fabales WCVP
Family Fabaceae WCVP
Genus Alhagi WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Alhagi maurorum var. maurorum, is known by various regional names across different linguistic landscapes. In English, it is frequently referred to as camelthorn, a name that reflects its habitat and relationship with desert fauna. Within Arabic-speaking regions, it is commonly called ‘al-marmar' or ‘al-khizama,' while in Persian, it is known as ‘al-shat.' Additionally, in Hebrew, the plant is referred to as ‘halagi.'
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions of Eurasia. In Middle Europe, its presence can be documented within the territories of Czechia and Slovakia. Moving eastward, it is found throughout the expansive regions of East European Russia and South European Russia. The species also extends into the Siberian region, specifically within the Altay area. Finally, its range reaches into Central Asia, where it is established in Kazakhstan.

Region Area Source
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Eastern Europe East European Russia WCVP
Eastern Europe South European Russia WCVP
Siberia Altay WCVP
Central Asia Kazakhstan WCVP
Central Asia Kirgizstan WCVP
Central Asia Turkmenistan WCVP
Central Asia Tadzhikistan WCVP
Central Asia Uzbekistan WCVP
Caucasus North Caucasus WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Alhagi maurorum var. maurorum, is primarily utilized in traditional medicine through its aerial parts. These above-ground structures, which include the stems, leaves, and flowers, contain the essential bioactive compounds required for therapeutic applications. By harvesting the aerial parts, practitioners can access the plant's medicinal properties while ensuring the root system remains intact within its natural habitat.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Alhagi maurorum var. maurorum has 2 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antitumor.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antitumor 1 ★☆☆☆☆