Medicinal plants used for dermatological disorders among the people of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A narrative review

Abstract

Historically, skin disorders have received less attention in health management than other life-threatening diseases that occur on a global scale. However, numerous skin problems are reported to primary health care systems worldwide, particularly in tropical locations. While modern physicians often address most skin conditions, it is estimated that over 70% of individuals with skin illnesses do not seek treatment. Traditional medicine dates all the way back to human civilization's inception. Numerous materials are utilized in traditional medicinal remedies, but the use of plants is particularly critical. Saudi Arabia is one of the world's most botanically varied countries, having an extensive folk medicine heritage. While several reviews on the use of plants to cure skin disorders has been published worldwide, very few have been undertaken in Saudi Arabia, much alone a comprehensive one. Thus, the present review identified the most significant and medicinally relevant herbs used in the treatment of various dermatological conditions in Saudi Arabia. A total of 43 plants were identified and described in this study. This investigation omitted publications that lacked detailed data and had only fragmented information regarding the herb's traditional use in topical applications.

Keywords: Dermatology; Ethnobotony; Herbs; Medicinal plants; Saudi Arabia; Skin; Topical application; Traditional medicine.

Fig. 1

Map of Saudi Arabia showing the geographical location. (Istockphoto, xxxx).

Fig. 2

Percentage of plant parts used for dermatological folk medicine in Saudi Arabia.

Fig. 3

Family of plants used for dermatological folk medicine in Saudi Arabia.