Saudi Arabia until recently was hermetically sealed to the outside world. But times are changing and the Kingdom of Saud which once dwelled in mud palaces are opening up the oil-wealthy kingdom to tourists, archeologists, divers, hydroponics companies, and lately for seeds banks.
The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) has launched a project to catalog and analyze wild plants in Saudi Arabia with medicinal, aromatic, toxic, nutritional, and economic properties.
This initiative, in collaboration with the College of Pharmacy at King Saud University, aims to expand scientific knowledge of the Kingdom’s native plant species and provide research-based guides to support sustainable resource use and conservation. Such pharmacological data could lead to new discoveries in medicine.
The project will create detailed guides featuring scientific and geographical insights on wild plants with medicinal, aromatic, toxic, nutritional, and economic value. It will document key findings, map plant locations and characteristics, and benchmark them against the latest regional and global research. Additionally, the initiative includes the development of tailored media content and digital resources to raise awareness among all segments of society about the importance of native plants and their diverse applications.
This effort aligns with the NCVC’s mission and supports the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030. It strengthens research partnerships among government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector stakeholders, fostering environmental and economic sustainability. By safeguarding the Kingdom’s plant resources, the project further underscores the NCVC’s role as a leading authority on vegetation cover and biodiversity conservation.
The NCVC remains committed to protecting and rehabilitating vegetation sites across Saudi Arabia, combating illegal logging, and managing rangelands, forests, and national parks. These efforts contribute to sustainable development and the preservation of the Kingdom’s natural heritage, in line with the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative.
Here is a list of 10 unusual medicinal plants found in Saudi Arabia, along with their common names in Arabic and English, and their traditional uses:
| Plant Name | Common Name (Arabic) | Common Name (English) | Traditional Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calotropis procera | العشار (Al-‘Ashar) | Apple of Sodom | Used for treating skin diseases and as an anti-inflammatory agent. |
| Ziziphus spina-christi | السدر (As-Sidr) | Christ’s Thorn Jujube | Employed to treat various ailments, including digestive disorders and infections. |
| Reichardia tingitana | الهندباء (Al-Hindiba) | Wild Chicory | Its leaves are used to treat constipation, colic, and inflamed eyes. |
| Ruellia tuberosa | غير متوفر | Minnieroot | Used as a diuretic, anti-diabetic, antipyretic, analgesic, antihypertensive, and to treat gonorrhea. |
| Rumex crispus | الحميض (Al-Humeidh) | Curly Dock | The root is used for treating anemia, skin conditions, respiratory issues, and enlarged lymph nodes. |
| Commiphora gileadensis | بلسان مكة (Balsan Makkah) | Balm of Gilead | Renowned for its aromatic resin used in perfumes and traditional medicine for its healing properties. |
| Soda rosmarinus | الأشنان (Al-Ushnan) | Saltwort | Historically used for producing potash and as a cleansing agent; also employed in traditional medicine for oral health. |
| Anethum graveolens | الشبت (Al-Shabat) | Dill | Commonly used to aid digestion and soothe upset stomachs. |
| Mentha longifolia | النعناع البري (Al-Na’na’ Al-Bari) | Wild Mint | Popular in teas, sauces, and desserts; also used for digestive comfort. |
| Peganum harmala | الحرمل (Al-Harmal) | Syrian Rue | Traditionally used for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. |
