Amir Parviz Tavassoli
1 
, Majid Anushiravani
1 , Seyed Mousalreza Hoseini
2 , Zahra Nikakhtar
1 , Hamideh Naghedi Baghdar
1 , Mahin Ramezani
3 , Zahra Ayati
4 , Mohammad Sadegh Amiri
5 , Amirhossein Sahebkar
6,3, 7 , Seyed Ahmad Emami
4* 1 Department of Persian Medicine, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2 Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3 Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
4 Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
5 Department of Biology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
6 Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran
7 Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
Alhagi maurorum is one of the species of Alhagi genus producing manna of Tarangabin. Tarangabin is mainly prepared in Iran and Afghanistan. The medicinal properties of Tarangabin and A. maurorum have been mentioned in some major Materia Medica manuscripts in the Islamic era. Tarangabin has various pharmacological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, analgesic and gastrointestinal effects. The purpose of this review is to introduce Alhagi plant and its different species, to present its geographical distribution, and to review its phytochemical and pharmacological properties as well as traditional and folklore applications. Phytochemistry of different parts of Alhagi, such as root, leaf and manna is also explained in details. In addition, temperament and medicinal uses of Tarangabin mentioned in the Islamic traditional medicine (ITM) books are presented. Indeed, sparse clinical research has been done on the medicinal properties of Tarangabin, which calls for future well-designed trials.
Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:
This review highlights the health benefits of Alhagi spp. and Tarangabin in the treatment of human diseases.
Please cite this paper as: Tavassoli AP, Anushiravani M, Hoseini SM, Nikakhtar Z, Naghedi Baghdar H, Ramezani M. Phytochemistry and therapeutic effects of Alhagi spp. and Tarangabin in traditional and modern medicine: a review. J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2020;9(2):86-104. doi: 10.34172/jhp.2020.13.