Abstract:
Gundelia (Gundelia tournefortii L.) is a member of
the Asteraceae (Compositae) family which grows in the semi-desert areas of Iran,
Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Syria, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Anatolia and other
countries. Traditionally, G. tournefortii (L.) is used for treatment
of liver diseases, diabetes, chest pain, heart stroke, gastric pain, vitiligo,
diarrhea and bronchitis. It is also reported to have hypoglycaemic, laxative,
sedative, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasite, antiseptic and emetic effects. It
has enhanced gingivas and removed water from patients having spleenomegaly.
Compounds found in gundelia proved to have several pharmacological effects,
e.g. antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antiplatelet
and hypolipemic activities. The observed pharmacological properties indicated
a close association of these effects with infectious diseases, digestive disorders,
high blood pressure and cancer. In traditional medicine, this plant has been
prescribed in many disorders; therefore, clinical trials on the compounds of
gundelia seem essential. This study gives an overview of traditional uses of
gundelia, irrespective of pharmacological studies on its effects.
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