Phragmites australis L.: A Systematic Review on Botanical Description Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Application

Abstract

Phragmites australis is a plant that belongs to the Poaceae family, also known as Gramineae. It is characterized by annual cane-like stems that arise from a robust and extensive rhizomatous system. P. australis is known for its pharmacological, ecological, and therapeutic properties, as it is rich in active biological substances, which endow it with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Many people from all over the world use basil in traditional medicine, including North African countries, especially Algeria, which they use to treat many organic and infectious diseases. On the other hand, according to scientific reports, the P. australis plant contains most of the major and biologically active molecules such as flavonoids, phenols, tannins, steroids, glycosides, and reduced sugars. Pharmacological studies also indicate that the plant has analgesic, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective actions. In conclusion, P. australis may be one of the best sources of plant medicines that can be used to treat many acute and chronic diseases.