Phog: A nutraceutical shrub of Thar desert 

Abstract

Plant species give essential food, vegetables, and pharmaceutical compounds that help people stay healthy. Since ancient times, many ailments have been treated by plant extracts. Plant-derived compounds play a critical biological function in our body and considered as major source of modern medications. India is noted for having a large number of medicinal and aromatic plants, which are mostly harvested as raw materials for medicine production. Ancient Indian literature has long documented the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. During the previous years of chronic drought in Western Rajasthan, a plant Calligonum polygonoides locally known as Phog has become one of the most economically beneficial species. C. polygonoides contains a complex variety of phytochemicals including flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins, tannins, steroids, phenols, carbohydrates, and terpenoids etc. This review brief about the morphology and geographical distribution, phytoconstituents, antioxidant potential, medicinal importance, and biological activities of plant C. polygonoides.