Article Citation: Lawal Gusau Hassan, Salihu Mustapha, Aliyu Ahmad Warra, I. Atiku, Muhammad Kabiru Sabo & A. M. Isah (2021). Phytochemistry in Islam: A Pathway for Sustainable Development. DEGEL: The Journal of the Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies, Vol. 19, No. 1. ISSN 0794-9316
PHYTOCHEMISTRY IN ISLAM: A PATHWAY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
By
L. G. Hassan, M. Salihu, A. A. Warra, I. Atiku, M.K. Sabo & A.
M. Isah
Abstract
Man
has been using plants as primary sources of food and medicines since antiquity.
The Earth surface is predominately covered by plants. Today, there are
approximately two hundred and fifty thousand to five hundred thousand (250,000
to 500,000) species of plants on the earth and about 10% is used as food and
medicine by humans and other living things. The chemical compounds extracted
from plants (phytochemicals) such as Alkaloids, Terpenoids, Phytosteroids,
Flavanoids, Saponins, Tannins etc. are well known to have significant effects
on the health and nutrition of humans. Meanwhile, the study on anti-microbial,
anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-tumorigenic, anti-venomeric effects of
these phytochemicals suggests their roles for medicinal and pharmaceutical
applications. This paper discusses the Islamic perception of phytochemistry,
interspecies communication using chemicals (semiochemicals) as well as
phytochemistry of medicinal and pharmaceutical importance. Consequently, the
phytochemical constituent of plants such as fig carica, garlic,
grape, bottle gourd, ginger, cucumis sativus, olive and alhagi
maurorum reported in several verses of the Qur’an were highlighted.
The paper also discussed the role of phytochemistry for sustainable development
in terms of food nutrition and health care. The authors suggested for research
collaboration between the scientists and Islamic researchers on pharmacology
and pharmacokinetics of these phytochemicals.
Introduction
The
human civilization over the most recent decades has led to the increasingly
hostile climate changes and natural disasters, but also wars and political and
socio-economic volatility. Through their accomplishment, humans have impacted
negatively on the environment, endangering the continued existence of the earth
and the future generations. These circumstances have indicated changes in the
conduct aiming towards more logical and proficient management of all resources
that will allow less pressure and environmental impact. Such responsible
conducts that will guarantee the long-term utilization of resources, without
jeopardizing future generations is considered within the concept of sustainable
development. The concepts of development, needs and future generations
constitute the basis of sustainable development. The quintessence of the
concept of sustainable development derives from the triple bottom line concept,
which implies the equilibrium between three pillars of sustainability –
environmental sustainability, social sustainability and economic sustainability
(Tomislav, 2018).
Islam
is a complete way of life and the Qur’an is a unique literature for social and
life science research. It contains Islamic medicine initiated from Prophet Adam
(A.S) and was completed by Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) but exploring and compiling
these medicines is still on-going after the death of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)
throughout the world (Ebrahim et al., 2014). Al-Quran is one
of the best reference books describing the importance of plants in different
chapters as in Al-Momeenoon, Al-Rehman, Al-Bakra and Al-An’am. Moreover, the
Prophet (S.A.W) used and recommended medicinal plants for various diseases and
as food.
The
history of Islamic medicine started from the second century of Hijra, when
Abdul Malik Bin Habib Udlasi compiled his first book “Tib-e-Nabvi”. Similarly,
during the third century of Hijra, Muhammad bin Abu Bakar Ibne Ulsani and Abu
Naeem Isphani compiled their books on this topic. In the same period other
Muslim scholars like Ali bin Mossa Raza and Imam Kazim Bin Jaffar also worked
on Islamic medicines. In the fourth century of Hijra, Muslim Scholars like Abi
Jaffar Almustaghfri, Zia Uddin Almukadasi, Shamsuddin Albali, Kahal ibne
Tarkhan, Muhammad bin Ahmed Zahabi, Muhammad Abu Baker Alkaim, Jalaluddin
Alsuyuti and Abdul Razzaq bin Mustafa Altanki did a great work in this field
(Danial et al., 2012).
This
paper highlights the significance of phytochemistry in Islam with reference to
the herbs and plants mentioned in the Qur’an and recommended by the Prophet
(SAW) to be used as medicine and food.
Phytochemistry and Semiochemicals
Plants
are vital sources of drugs; especially in traditional medicine. It is a
widespread custom to use plants as crude extracts, decoction and infusion to
treat common infections and chronic conditions in Nigeria and other parts of
the world (Ibrahim et al., 2019a). According to World Health
Organization WHO, a significant number; not less than 70% of the world
population relies on medicinal plants for primary health care (Ibrahim et
al., 2019b, Sasidharan et al., 2013) and there are
reports from diverse studies on natural substances of plant origin which are
biologically active with desirable activity (Ibrahim et al., 2019).
The medicinal plants are of use in the management of human diseases due to the
presence of phytochemical constituents (Mengane and Kamble, 2015).
Naturally
occurring chemical compounds that are found in plants, which are biologically
active and which also provide health benefits for humans as medicinal
constituents and nutrients are called Phytochemicals (Deepak et al., 2016).
An information of the chemical constituents of plants and fruits are
advantageous, not only for the discovery of therapeutic agents, but also
because such information may be of value in disclosing new sources of such
economic materials as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, oils, gums, precursors
for the synthesis of complex chemical substances, etc. In addition, the
familiarity with the chemical constituents of plants would further be valuable
in discovering the actual value of folkloric remedies (Shafaghat, 2010).
Semiochemicals
(Greek semeon, a mark or signal), also referred to as behaviour-modifying
chemicals, are chemical substances or mixtures that transmit a message from one
organism to another so as to amend the behaviour of the recipient. Broadly,
these chemicals can be divided into two classes: pheromones (mediating intra
specific communication between individuals of the same species) and
allelochemicals (mediating inter specific interactions among individuals of
different species) (Amanuel and Ziyaur, 2017).
At
presentl, with the involvement in this research area of experts belonging to
different scientific fields, including botany, chemistry, biochemistry,
immunology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics; the characterization of the
pharmacological and biological effects of herbal-based medicines is becoming
more competitive and complex. These fields are becoming of great interest for
several high-impact scientific journals. In parallel, herbalists and spiritual
healers continue to be the first choice for health care problems such as
diabetes, obesity, infertility, impotence, skin diseases, psychosomatic
troubles, and many other diseases (Bashar, 2013).
Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Potential of Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals
(from the Greek word phyto, meaning plant) are biologically active, naturally
occurring chemical compounds found in plants, which provide health benefits for
humans more than those ascribed to macronutrients and micronutrients. They
protect plants from disease and damage and contribute to the plant’s colour,
aroma and flavour. In general, the plant chemicals that protect plant cells
from environmental hazards such as pollution, stress, drought, UV exposure and
pathogenic attack are referred to as phytochemicals. Recently, it is clearly
known that they have roles in the protection of human health, when their
dietary intake is significant. More than 4,000 phytochemicals have been
catalogued and are classified by protective function, physical characteristics
and chemical characteristics and about 150 phytochemicals have been studied in
detail. These compounds are known as secondary plant metabolites and have
biological properties such as antioxidant activity (Mamta et al., 2013).
A
number of biological activities that protect from most of chronic diseases are
exhibited by different extracts of phytochemicals such as alkaloids,
flavonoids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, phenols, saponins and tannins
(Ibrahim et al., 2019b). Plant alkaloids are one of the
largest groups of natural products representing a highly diverse group of
chemical entities; many of which possess potent pharmacological activities such
as antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties (Noureddine, 2018). In
their review work, Duangjai et al., (2018) reported the
anti-oxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, immune system
promoting and cardio-protective potentials of flavonoids. Different studies
have illustrated the health benefits of saponins among which are their effect
on blood cholesterol levels, cancer, bone health and stimulation of the immune
system (Mercy et al., 2018). Similarly, they are found to be
strong expectorants and aid the absorption of nutrients (Visweswari et
al., 2013).
Many
conventional drugs used today were derived or originated from plant sources
(phyto-drug) which includes aspirin (1) isolated from willow
bark, digoxin 2 from foxglove, quinine (3) from cinchona bark,
and morphine (4) from opium poppy (Abdel-Aziz, et
al., 2016). The development of drugs from plants continues with drug
companies engaged in large-scale pharmacological screening of herbs. Plant
resources have provided the basic needs of life such as food, fiber, fuel and
shelter and will continue to provide these needs and much more on a renewable
basis. Plants have also been a valuable source of flavours, fragrances,
colourants, and phytochemicals for industries and pharmaceuticals
(Abdel-Aziz, et al., 2016).
|
 1  3 |
 4 |
Figure 1: Aspirin (1) (salicylate)
is a drug isolate from willow bark that work by reducing
substances in the body that cause pain, fever and inflammation; digoxin (2) (lanoxican
or lanoxin) a drug belonging to cardiac glycoside isolated from foxglove used
to treat heart failure usually in combination with medications. However,
quinine (3) and morphine (4) (Astramorph) are drugs isolated
from cinchona and opium poppy used to treat
malaria and pain respectively.
Phytochemistry: An Islamic Perspective
Life
and diseases go together; where there is life, diseases are bound to exist.
Dependency and sustainability of man and animal life have been revolving around
plants, for their uses as food, fibers and shelter, but also plants have been
used to control and ease diseases. Therefore, the use of plants as medicines is
an ancient and reliable practice. More than 1,400 years had passed since the
Qur’an was revealed upon Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W). In the Revealed Book of
Qur’an, many edible and non-edible plants are cited. Some of them, for example,
are taken as remedies for cough (ginger), intestinal bleeding (pomegranate),
diarrhea (banana) and other medicinal conditions. These plants attracted the
interest of botanists, biochemists and pharmacognosists (natural drug
specialists). Cure of diseases through medicinal plants is always an
outstanding feature of Islamic teaching and preaching (Bilal et al., 2011).
In
Islam, the Qur’anic concept of healing is spiritual and regarded as the most
esteem concept of healing. The Qur’anic concept of healing is that Allah is the
Healer, and the doctors and the medicines are the means of healing. This
concept of healing signifies that a physician diagnoses an ailment and
prescribes medicine(s); a pharmacist prepares the medicines and dispenses them
to the patient. Ultimately, it is Allah (God), who cures the ailment through
the medicine. Thus, pharmacy and medicine, disease and treatment, patient and
physician are all interrelated in the process of healing, which is done by
Allah in whom full trust should be placed. In support of this are the words of
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) as contained in the Qur’an: “And when I am ill, it is
He who heals (cures) me” (Hussain and Saiful, 2018).
Qur’an,
as a divine guidance and message for humans, involves all material and
spiritual angles of life. The Qur’an involves all requirements to guide and
educate humans in social, individual, moral, legal, worldly and the life
hereafter. Besides, following the fast growth of experimental sciences in
recent centuries, especially in western countries, most of the conflicts with
holy books or religious contexts have occurred under the name of science. From
Copernicus (astronomy) and Darwin (Biology) to Freud (Psychology), it is
claimed that some of the scientific findings weaken or override some basic
teachings of holy books. Our Noble Prophet (S.A.W) used and recommended various
foods and medicinal plants for treating various diseases. Cure of diseases through
medicinal plants is always a salient feature of Islamic teaching and preaching.
Al-Qur’an is the best Islamic reference book, describing the importance of
plants, especially herbs in different Chapters for their diverse uses (Ebrahim et
al., 2014). Some of the medicinal plants cited in the Holy Qur’an are:
1. Fig Carica: Fig (Ficus carica)
is one of the oldest known fruit trees in the world. Taxonomically Ficus
carica L. belongs to the Urticales order; Moraceae family; and Ficus genus
with more than 800 species of trees, shrubs, hemiepiphytes, climbers, and
creepers in the tropics and subtropics worldwide (Frodon, 2004, Gousia et
al., 2018). F. carica comprises one of the largest
genera of angiosperms and mostly grown in Mediterranean climates, but can be
grown in more humid regions including the tropics and subtropics (Gousia et
al., 2018). This genus is an essential genetic resource because of its
high economic and nutritional values. It is also found to be a good source of
food for fruit-eating animals in tropical areas (Ronsted and Savolainen, 2007).
It
has been mentioned in the Qur’an in Surat Al-teen, verse 1 where Allah swore by
it saying: “By the fig and the olive’’. This indicates how important
this plant is to human life.
The
fruit, root, and leaves of Fig are well known to be used in traditional
medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as gastrointestinal (colic,
indigestion, loss of appetite, and diarrhea), respiratory (sore throats,
coughs, and bronchial problems), and cardiovascular disorders and as
anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic remedy (Werbach cited in Mawa et
al., 2004). However, fig is considered very significant to human
health for its vital role in reducing cholesterol (5), strengthening the
heart and controlling respiration. Literature review on fig indicated that,
there are approximately 100 bioactive phytochemical compounds identified in
fig. These includes arabinose (6), sitosterols (7), β-amyrins (8),
β-carotenes (9) and xanthotoxol (10). Phytochemical studies
on F. carica revealed the presence of numerous bioactive compounds such as
phenolic compounds (ferulic acid, quercetin-0-glucoside, etc.). Phytosterols,
organic acids (oxalic acid, citric acid, quinic, shikimic and fumaric acid), anthocyanin
composition, triterpenoids (bauterenol, lipeol acetate, methyl maslinate etc.
have been isolated from leave of F. carica (Saeed and Sabir, 2002). Similarly,
anticancer, antioxidant, antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral,
antimutagenic, cholesterol lowering, hepatoprotective, antitubaculosis,
hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic and inflammatory activities were reported for fig
(Gousia et al., 2018).
Figure 2: Cholesterol (5) is a substance that is found in the
cells of animal and human fluids to regulate membrane fluidity and functions as
a precursor molecule in various metabolic pathways. Arabinose (6) is
a phytosterol (aldopentose) used in food as sweetener to inhibit the sucrose,
an enzyme that break down sucrose into glucose and fructose in the small
intestine while sistosterol (7) is also a phytosterol used to lower
cholesterol levels in the body.
Figure 3: β-amyrin (8) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid that
exhibits long-lasting antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties;
β-carotene (9) is a precursor of vitamin A because human body
converts β-carotene into vitamin A (retinol) which is essential for healthy
skin while xanthoxol (10) is a furanocoamarin an enzyme that use
s-adenosylmethionine to produce s-adenosylhomocysteine and o-methylxanthoxol.
2. Garlic: The taxonomic
position of garlic and related genera had been a matter of controversy for a
long period of time. The most recent classification scheme of garlic was class
Liliopsida, subclass Liliidae, superorder Liliianae, order Amaryllidales, family
Alliaceae, subfamily Allioideae, tribe Allieae and genus Allium (Gebreselema
and Mebrahtu, 2013).
Allah
mentioned Garlic in the following verse of the Qur’an: ‘‘And [recall] when you
said, "O Moses, we can never endure one [kind of] food. So call upon your
Lord to bring forth for us from the earth its green herbs and its cucumbers and
its garlic and its lentils and its onions" (Surat Al-Baqarah, Verse 61).
Hazrat
Anas bin Malik (R.A) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said “who has eaten
garlic should not come to our mosque (Marwat et al., 2009).
Garlic
contains at least 33 sulfur compounds such as, several enzymes, minerals,
vitamins, water and 17-amino acids. Pharmacological roles such as Antiviral,
antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, anticancer and
antidiabetic activities have been reported for garlic. It also serves as
natural immunity booster and agent for reducing stress (Gebreselema and
Mebrahtu, 2013). In 1944 Carallito et al., described the
isolation and characterization of allicin (11) an odoriferious,
unstable antibacterial substance obtained from cut garlic gloves by extraction
with ethanol. The laboratory studies on allicin and related thiosulfinate show
antibacterial, antifungal and anti-tumor activity (Koch and Lawson, 1996).
Figure 4: Allicin (11) is
a pungent compound formed enzymatically in crushed garlic cloves that imparts
the distinctive smell to garlic and possesses antimicrobial properties.
3. Grape: Grape belongs to
the berry family as it is found attached to the stem. Many berries make up a
cluster or bunch of grapes. The fruit of the grape is one of the most palatably
edible foods, having many established nutritional and medicinal properties for
consumers. The grape is a good source of water (82%), carbohydrates (12–18%),
proteins (0.5– 0.6%), and fat (0.3–0.4%). Additionally, the grape contains
significant amounts of potassium (0.1–0.2%), vitamin C (12) (0.01–0.02%),
and vitamin A (13) (0.001–0.0015%) and also has a small amount of
calcium (0.01–0.02%) and phosphorus (Mukesh et al., 2009).
Figure 5: Vitamin C (12) also
known as ascorbic acid and ascorbate is a vitamin found in various foods and
sold as dietary supplement which is used to prevent scurvy, repair of tissue,
enzymatic production and act as anti-oxidant. Vitamin A (13) is an
essential vitamin found in food phytochemicals in orange, meat, eggs and milk
needed for growth and development, cell recognition, vision, immune function
and reproduction.
The
Qur’an mentioned grape in Surat Abasa‚ verse 28 ‘’And grapes and
herbage’’ and in Surat Al-Isra‚ verse 91 ‘‘Or [until] you have a
garden of palm trees and grapes and make rivers gush forth within them in force
[and abundance]’’
Also
in Surat Al-An’am‚ verse 99,
And it is He who sends down
rain from the sky, and We produce thereby the growth of all things. We produce
from it greenery from which We produce grains arranged in layers. And from the
palm trees of its emerging fruit are clusters hanging low. And [We produce]
gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at
[each of] its fruit when it yields and [at] its ripening. Indeed, in that are
signs for a people who believe’’.
Mukesh et
al., (2009) reported the antioxidant, anti-carcinonogenic,
anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory, antidiabetic and cardioprotective
activities of grape. Also, grape seed extract enriched with compounds that
inhibit gastrointestinal digestion of lipids through inhibition of lipase
enzymes (pancreatic lipase, lipoprotein lipase, and hormone-sensitive lipase in
vitro) may provide a safe, natural, and cost-effective weight control
treatment. Thus, grape seed extract may have its potential application as a
treatment for obesity.
4. Bottle Gourd: Cucurbitaceae family
is commonly mentioned as the gourd, melon or pumpkin. It is medium sized and
generally a climbing plants family, composing 118 genera and 825 species having
wide distribution in the warmer regions of the world. The plants are most
primitive cultivated plants and are used for medicinal and nutritional values
(Aman and Ramchandran, 2009).
Almighty
Allah says in the following verse of the Qur’an: ‘’And We caused to
grow over him a gourd vine’’. (Surat As-Saffat, verse 146)
The
ethnobotanical roles of Lagenaria siceraria include but are
not limited to the treatment of gastrointestinal, cardio vascular system,
central nervous system, genito-urinary system, infections, respiratory system,
immunology and skin diseases. Similarly, some of its applications in metabolism
are reported (Aman and Ramchandran, 2009).
5. Ginger: Ginger (Zingiber
officinale Roscoe) is a creeping perennial underground rhizome belonging to
family Zingiberaceae (Shubha, 2015).
Allah
mentioned Ginger in the Qur’an as one of the drinks of the people of paradise
saying: ‘‘And they will be given to drink a cup [of wine] whose mixture is of
ginger’’ (Surat Al-Insan, verse 17). Abu Saed Khudri (R.A) narrated: the ruler
of Rome presented a basket of gingers into the honour of Rasulullah (SAW) as a
gift. He gave everyone a piece of ginger. He also gave one piece of it to me
(Marwat et al., 2009).
Fresh
ginger contains 80.9% moisture, 2.3% protein, 0.9% fat, 1.2% minerals, 2.4%
fibre and 12.3% carbohydrates. The minerals present in ginger are iron, calcium
and phosphorous. It also contains vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin (14),
niacin (15) and vitamin C7. The composition varies with the
type, variety, agronomic conditions, curing methods, drying and storage
conditions. Ginger is antiplatelet, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral,
anti-worm, anti-inflammatory and has anti-oxidative activity. It effects gastrointestinal
and cardiovascular systems, anti-lipidemic and anti-hyperglycemic, anti-tumour
properties and is known to be effective as an immuno-modulatory agent in human
and animals, including fish (Shubha, 2015).
Figure 6: Riboflavin (14) is
usually found in eggs, nuts, grains, dairy products, organ meats, dark green
vegetables. Niacin (15) also known as nicotinic acid (vitamin B3)
is an essential human nutrient and a notable drug usually prescribed in
combination with statin for cholesterol control.
6. Cucumis Sativus: Cucurbitaceae is a plant family, also known as
gourd family, which includes crops like cucumbers, squashes, luffas and melons.
Plants of this family have many medicinal and nutritional benefits. Cucumber (Cucumis
sativa) is one of the monoecious annual crops in the cucurbitaceae family
that has been cultivated by man for over 3, 000 years. With respect to economic
importance, it ranks fourth after tomatoes, cabbage and onion in Asia (Hina and
Anam, 2017).
It
is mentioned in the Qur’an concerning the people of Prophet Musa (A.S) where
Allah says: ‘’And [recall] when you said, "O Moses, we can never
endure one [kind of] food. So call upon your Lord to bring forth for us from
the earth its green herbs and its cucumbers and its garlic and its lentils and
its onions". (Surat Al-Baqarah, Verse 61).
In
addition to its antioxidant, cytotoxic, antacid, carminative, hepatoprotective,
hypoglycaemic, hypolipedemic and wound healing activities; regular intake of
cucumber fruit promotes healthy hair growth. It is useful for skin problems,
sunburn and also for curing swelling under the eye. Its juice is also efficient
to soften the skin texture. Placing two slices of cucumber on eyes for 10
minutes can decrease the inflammation significantly. It is also beneficial for
curing skin infection like eczema. In sun stroke, pieces of cucumber are placed
on the head so that the patient may breathe moistened air in order to
neutralize heat of his body. Fruit is also considered important for weight loss
(Hina and Anam, 2017).
7. Olive: Due to its medicinal
and economic importance, the olive tree has been mentioned repeatedly in the
Holy Qur’an in various chapters which include:
And it is He who sends down rain from the sky,
and We produce thereby the growth of all things. We produce from it greenery
from which We produce grains arranged in layers. And from the palm trees - of
its emerging fruit are clusters hanging low. And [We produce] gardens of
grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at [each of]
its fruit when it yields and [at] its ripening. Indeed, in that are signs for a
people who believe. (Surat Al-An am‚ verse 99).
And He it is who causes
gardens to grow, [both] trellised and untrellised, and palm trees and crops of
different [kinds of] food and olives and pomegranates, similar and dissimilar.
Eat of [each of] its fruit when it yields and give its due [zakah] on the day
of its harvest. And be not excessive. Indeed, He does not like those who commit
excess. (Surat Al-An am‚ verse 141)
He causes to grow for you
thereby the crops, olives, palm trees, grapevines, and from all the fruits.
Indeed, in that is a sign for a people who give thought. (Sura An-Nahl‚ verse
11)
And [We brought forth] a
tree issuing from Mount Sinai which produces oil and food for those who eat.
(Surat Al-Muminun‚ verse 20)
Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of
His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the
glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive
tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if
untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills.
And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is knowing of all things.
(Surat An-Nur‚ verse 35).
And olive and palm trees’. (Sura Abasa, verse 29). ‘By the fig and
the olive. (Surat At-Teen‚ verse 1)
The
medicinal uses of different parts of olea europaea olive oil
were recognized as important components of a healthy diet. Several
epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence of coronary heart disease
and certain cancers is low in the Mediterranean basin where the diet is rich in
olive products. Historically, olive leaves have been used as a folk remedy for
combating fevers and other diseases such as malaria. Previous studies showed
that some extracts of this product decreased blood pressure in animals and
increased blood flow in coronary arteries, relieved arrhythmia, and prevented
intestinal muscle spasms (Danial et al., 2012).
8.
Alhagi Maurorum, Manna
of Hedysarum: Allah the Most Exalted
said:
And We shaded you with clouds and sent down to you manna and
quails, [saying], "Eat from the good things with which We have provided
you." And they wronged Us not - but they were [only] wronging themselves.
(Surat Al-Baqarah‚ verse 57).
O Children of Israel, We delivered you from your enemy, and We
made an appointment with you at the right side of the mount, and We sent down
to you manna and quails (Surat Taha ‚ verse 80).
And We divided them into twelve descendant tribes [as distinct]
nations. And We inspired to Moses when his people implored him for water,
"Strike with your staff the stone," and there gushed forth from it
twelve springs. Every people knew its watering place. And We shaded them with
clouds and sent down upon them manna and quails, [saying], "Eat from the
good things with which We have provided you." And they wronged Us not, but
they were [only] wronging themselves. (Surat Al-Araf‚ verse 160)’’
Alhagi
maurorum is a member of family Leguminosae. It is used in
folk medicine as a cure for rheumatic pains‚ bilharzias‚ liver and urinary
tract inflammation and for a variety of types of gastrointestinal discomforts.
Recently these plants are proved to have antidiarrhoeal activity and induce
relaxation of the smooth muscle and antinociceptive effect. Its flowers are
used to treat piles, migraine, and warts. Oil from the leaves is used in the
treatment of rheumatism. Locally, water extracts of its roots are used to
enlarge the ureter and to remove kidney stones (Daniel et al., 2012).
Previous studies showed that Alhagi maurorum contained many secondary
metabolites including flavonoids, fatty acids, coumarins, glycosides, sterols,
steroids, resins, vitamins, alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, unsaturated
sterols and triterpenes. It exerted antibacterial, anti-inflammatory,
antipyretic, analgesic, antioxidant, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular,
diuretic, and dermatological and many other effects (Ali, 2015)
Phytochemistry for Sustainable Development
Phytochemistry,
as explained earlier, is a branch of chemistry that deals with the study of
secondary metabolites of plant origin. It has been noted from the above
discussion that, plants produce phytochemicals in order to protect themselves
against environmental threat like predator insects, pollution and diseases
(Ashraf, et al., 2016). However, these phytochemicals produced
were supposedly not only to protect plants against threat, but found out to be
very important due to their biological and pharmacological effects to human
body. Scientists however estimated that there are about 4,000 phytochemicals
that have been identified by researchers, but only a small portion of them have
been studied closely. These phytochemicals are usually found in a wide array of
plants and are most commonly consumed foods such as fruits, vegetables, coffee,
green tea, beans, grains, etc. (Almodaifer et al., 2017).
The
pharmacological activities of phytochemicals identified varies but anticancer,
anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anticoagulant, antiarthritis
activities etc. were discovered to be common to many plant species
(Ashraf, et al., 2016). Meanwhile, some phytochemicals are
also use in food processing, flavorants, colourants, etc. but laboratory
studies have shown that these phytochemicals have the ability to block certain
compounds in food, drink and breathe from becoming carcinogens
(Almodaifer et al., 2017). Fruits and vegetables constitute
the major sources of carotenoids in the human diet and flavonoids are
responsible for the taste, color, protection of vitamins and enzymes, and
prevention of fat oxidation (Ashraf, et al., 2016,
Almodaifer et al., 2017).
The
modern concept of sustainable development is thought to be derived in earlier
ideas about sustainable forest management and 20th century
environmental concerns. But gradually, it has been realized that this approach
received the attention of researchers in academia, government, private and
non-governmental organizations. Furthermore, the rapid development of this
concept led its transformations toward economic development, social development
and environmental protection for future generations. The concept of sustainable
development has been and still remains the topic or theme of criticism in
almost all the countries of the world. Sustainability could be defined as the
practice of maintaining world productivity without degrading or endangering
natural biotic systems (Kahle, and Atay, 2014). Thus, sustainable development
ties together concern for the carrying capacity of national systems with the
social, political and economic challenges faced by humanity. According to
International Institute for Sustainable Development IISD, (2018) sustainable
development is the development that meet the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meets their own needs. Good
health and food nutrition are the essential components to sustainable
development and the 2030 agenda. To achieve United Nations’ 2030 agenda on
sustainable development goals for good health and well-being (goal 3), serious
attentions must be devoted to the role of phytochemicals in the development of
sustainable health care due to their availability, usability and accessibility.
Conclusion and Suggestions
An
overview of the benefits associated with phytochemicals in medicines,
pharmaceuticals and food industries is crucial, considering their positive and
negative biological activities. Many research studies conducted on certain
plants suggested that, phytochemicals played and continue to play important
roles against the onset of diseases such as cancers, tumors, inflammations,
HIV, and heart diseases which have been well documented. Many phytochemicals
have a range of different biochemical and physiological effects. Isoflavonoids,
for example have antioxidant and anti-oestrogenic activities, terpenes:
anticancer, antitumor, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, etc. Interestingly, the
Qur’an mentioned in several verses names and insight on some discoveries made on
plant such as fig, ginger, olive, grape, etc. The authors call for research
collaboration between the scientists and Islamic researchers on pharmacology
and pharmacokinetics of these phytochemicals.
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