# A Review on Potential Antimutagenic Plants of Saudi Arabia
## 7 Which Are the Medicinal Plants of Saudi Arabia That Might Demonstrate Anti-Mutagenesis?  
Saudi Arabia is known as one of the oldest human habitats. The vast regions of the country are known to contain several varieties of plant. Different provinces of Saudi Arabia have different climatic conditions that support the growth of several rare categories of fauna and flora [72]. Traditionally, the population of the country has used plant-based medicine for treating various conditions, such as pain, inflammation, ulcers, helminthiasis, bronchoconstriction, depression, anaemia, and dysmenorrhoea [73]. These drugs are commonly referred to in the Arabian Peninsula as 'prophetic' medicines. The therapeutic activities of some of them, like black seeds, costus, miswak, and fenugreek, have been proven by scientific studies. However, many others are yet to be documented with supporting evidence [74].  
Traditional medicines derived from natural resources are typically devoid of major side effects and are cost-effective. The Arabian Peninsula comprises Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Yemen, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Oman. These regions have different tribes and are known to practice ancient methods of healing diseases [75]. Saudi Arabia is the largest country in terms of geography in the region and is comprised of mountains, valleys, lava areas, meadows, and rocky deserts. The climatic variation supports the growth of several species of fauna and flora that have medicinal properties [76].  
According to one study, Saudi Arabia produces more than 900 genera comprising 2500 species of plants. More than 20% of them were found to be new and uncommon plants, particularly native to this part of the world [77]. Another study suggested that the practice of using traditional medicine is transferred from one generation to another [78]. This is evident from the use of myrrh, black seeds and kawajawa in different natural remedies still popular among the local population. Some of these substances are also commonly used in the preparation of culinary and traditional dietary supplements [79].  
A substance that has the ability to inhibit the function of oxidizing enzymes, prevent the cellular damaging action of oxidizing agents, or repair the damage caused by oxidizing agents can be referred to as an antioxidant [53]. Antioxidants exert their action by multiple pathways, such as decreasing the localized concentration of oxygen free radicals, scavenging the free radicals, decomposing the lipid peroxide radicals, converting free radicals into non-radical products, and breaking the process involved in free radical-mediated cellular damage [55]. Several plant-isolated phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic compounds have exhibited antioxidant potential. Natural substances having these phytoconstituents could play a vital role in minimizing oxidative damage [54]. Identifying such natural sources not only provides scientific knowledge but also helps in exploring their health benefits.  
This review was planned with the intention to highlighting the rare and uncommon plants that have been reported to possess medicinal properties. The information listed in the following sections briefly summarizes the biological data that might provide a direction for future studies to evaluate the therapeutic potential of plants (Figure 1) native to Saudi Arabia.