Medicinal properties of Qatari wetland plants: A review

Abstract

For over 60,000 years, human dependence on herbal remedies has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine. However, recent times have witnessed escalating concerns about the sustainability of these practices, especially regarding their impact on local culture, biodiversity, and environmental integrity. This issue is particularly pronounced in Qatar, where wetlands play a vital role yet remain insufficiently studied. A comprehensive literature review aimed at identifying wetland plant species traditionally used by the people of Qatar revealed 17 such species from six families, predominantly from the Amaranthaceae family. These plants, thriving in diverse habitats, exhibit promising therapeutic properties, including anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial activities. Noteworthy is that over 50% of the examined plants possess both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory attributes. Despite their potential, less than 30% of these plants have been explored for their anti-cancer potential. Conservation efforts are imperative to safeguard these unique wetland ecosystems, and further research is essential to validate and unlock the full therapeutic potential of these plants for the development of potent, plant-based drugs.