A review of phytochemical of biological studies of Cycas species growing in Middle East

Document Type : Review article

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Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt

Abstract

The genus Cycas, commonly known as cycads, represents a fascinating group of ancient gymnosperms with a lengthy evolutionary history that dates back to the Mesozoic era. The taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and conservation status of the genus Cycas are all covered in detail in this abstract. A review of phytochemical constituents and biological activities of Cycas species has been presented. Notably, while there are approximately 580 species of this genus distributed worldwide, only nine species grow in the Middle East, and just three of these have been studied phytochemically. Cycas species are of particular interest due to their unique evolutionary position, ecological roles, and potential medicinal properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the genus Cycas, integrating biological activity, chemical diversity, traditional knowledge, and economic and ecological significance. By synthesizing research across these fields, we seek to create a holistic view of the species, highlighting its historical, current, and potential future significance, relevance in the realms of ecology, ethnobotany, and medicine. Hence, this review highlights the phytochemical studies of Cycas species, underscoring their potential as a source of bioactive molecules with applications in medicine and beyond.

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