Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Medicinal Properties of Plants Contain Manna in Iran

Manna has been wildly used in different traditional medicines. In Iran, manna from different sources, has been regarded for various medicinal purposes such as a treatment for the shortness of breath and act as an anti-pyretic. Some of the manna are also recommended as laxative, anti-jaundice, and cough reliever agents. Alhagi and Astragalus are two of the major genera in Iran that produce manna. Manna is a good source of poly phenols, essential oils, and carbohydrates. Results from pharmacological studies show that manna has the potentials for the treatment of some disorders, such as kidney disease. For example, manna from Alhagi spp. could effectively increase the glomerular filtration rate in a randomised controlled trial. Some manna, such as the one from Echinops spp. can act as an immunomodulatory agent(s). Manna has also the potential to treat infant’s jaundice which is in consistent with the traditional claims. To extend our view towards future indications of manna for medicinal and clinical purposes, this chapter is focused on the ethnopharmacological applications and phytochemical aspects of plants containing manna in Iran. Additionally, their traditional uses and pharmacological aspects are reviewed.