Fagonia indica; A Review on Chemical Constituents, Traditional Uses and Pharmacological Activities

The family Zygophyllaceae has almost 22 genera and more than 250 species. Fagonia is an important genus of the family Zygophyllaceae. This genus comprises abundant species, which grows in different phytogeographical regions of the world. These species grow in different environmental conditions. Fagonia indica belongs to Zygophyllaceae. It is commonly known as Dhamasa, Dhamana, Sachi booti and Shoka’a and is found in deserts of Asia and Africa. The species of this family are of very high importance. This article is a review based on different studies regarding occurrence, phytochemistry, traditional uses, biochemical constituents and therapeutic uses of F. indica. The available literature review provided a base for this review. The presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, glycosides, pectin and alkaloids was confirmed by different researchers. F. indica is a very important medicinal plant because it has different therapeutic and traditional uses such as antidiabetic, anticancer, anti leishmanial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, laxative, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects. Further in vitro and in vivo studies should be carried out to find the exact mechanisms of actions for better scientific evidence.