Ziziphora

Ziziphora:

So far, 25 species of the genus Cactaceae have been reported in the world and 4 species in Iran, which are used to treat digestive disorders, colds, migraines, and depression. This genus has 4 species and several subspecies in Iran. The species found in Iran include Z. clinopodioides, Z. tenuior, Z. capitata, and Z. persica, which are widely distributed in different regions of Iran.
It is a herbaceous, annual plant with a short stem 5 to 15 centimeters high, its leaves are narrow, sharp-pointed with short internodes. It has small flowers in pale purple or purplish purple. The geographical distribution of the Cactaceae plant is Iran, Turkey, Russia, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Transcaucasia, and Siberia. This plant is distributed wildly in the north, center, northwest, south, and northeast of Iran.

Chemical Compositions:

In the essential oil of the cactus plant, 8 important compounds were identified, the main of which was Pulegone with 92.55%. Phenolic and flavanone compounds had the highest amount, and carbohydrates and flavonoids had the lowest amount. Phenolic and flavonoid compounds have antioxidant properties. In the essential oil of the cleopatra plant, 23 important compounds were identified, among which Camphor and Artemisia alcohol had the highest amount with 43.72 and 18.61%, respectively, and P-Cymene and α-Thujone had the lowest amount with 0.42 and 0.24%. Its active ingredients include phenol with the highest amount, and flavanone and flavonoid with the lowest amount.

Pharmaceutical Properties:

Pulegone has antibacterial and antifungal properties, especially since it is effective on various strains of Salmonella. Polgon is able to prevent the growth of Candida albicans and Salmonella typhimurium, and its effect on Candida albicans is twice that of Nystatin. This plant is used as a sedative, stomach tonic, and to relieve heart disorders, diarrhea, colic, and fever.

In traditional Turkish medicine, it is used as a tea to relieve gastrointestinal disorders and as an anti-flatulent, disinfectant, and wound healer.

In traditional Iranian medicine, various species of this genus are used in infusions and decoctions to relieve heart diseases, colds, and migraines. Also, cactus branches are used as a sedative, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, expectorant, and disinfectant.