Ethnomedicinal Plants from Iraq as Therapeutic Agents against Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A Review

Abstract

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a highly infectious pathogen, which can affect both humans and animals. The metabolic products of this bacterium affect the pulmonary, nervous, lymphatic, and cardiovascular systems. The aim of this review is to provide information on certain local herbs from Iraq, which have been found to be effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this report, we have reviewed 13 medicinal plants and their anti-mycobacterial activities. The family, traditional medicinal uses, common local names, in vitro activity of the crude extract, and information about bioactive chemical composition of these plant species have been described. The crude extracts of these medicinal plants can be used to develop novel drugs against tuberculosis.

Keywords

• medicinal plants
• mycobacterium tuberculosis
• anti-mycobacterial activity
• iraq