Medicinal plant diversity of Mangystau Region (Kazakhstan): Taxonomic structure, ecological characteristics and pharmacological potential

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Laboratory of Natural Flora and Dendrology, Mangyshlak Experimental Botanical Garden, Aktau 130000, Kazakhstan

10.22124/cjes.2026.9787

Abstract

Medicinal plants constitute an important component of biodiversity and represent a valuable source of biologically active compounds for pharmaceutical and medicinal applications. The Mangystau Region of Western Kazakhstan is characterized by unique desert ecosystems that support a diverse assemblage of medicinal plant species adapted to arid environmental conditions. This study aimed to assess the taxonomic composition, ecological structure, phytochemical characteristics, pharmacological potential, and utilization prospects of medicinal plants occurring in the flora of Mangystau. The analysis was based on floristic inventories, herbarium collections, ecological assessments, phytochemical data, pharmacological literature, and patent sources. A total of 302 medicinal plant species belonging to 174 genera and 58 families were examined. The results showed that medicinal plants constitute approximately 39.2% of the regional flora. Species diversity is concentrated within a limited number of dominant families, particularly Asteraceae, Amaranthaceae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, Polygonaceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Apiaceae, Boraginaceae, and Ranunculaceae, which collectively account for 65.5% of all recorded medicinal species. Artemisia was identified as the most species-rich genus. The ecological spectrum is dominated by perennial and annual herbs, as well as xerophytic, halophytic, and heliophytic species, reflecting long-term adaptation to water deficit, soil salinity, and intense solar radiation. Phytochemical analysis revealed a high prevalence of flavonoids (86.4% of species), phenolic compounds (43.7%), saponins (21.9%), and essential oils (17.9%). These compounds contribute to a broad range of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, expectorant, and bronchodilatory activities. Several taxa, particularly representatives of Artemisia, Ferula, Ephedra, Glycyrrhiza, and Astragalus, demonstrate considerable potential as sources of medicinal raw materials and bioactive compounds. The findings highlight the significant biological and pharmacological values of the medicinal flora of Mangystau and provide a scientific basis for its conservation, sustainable utilization, cultivation, and further phytochemical and pharmacological investigation.

Keywords

References

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Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences
Volume 24, Issue 3
July 2026
Pages 737-751

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