Plants are rich in active compounds or secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, steroids, tannins, glycosides, which are present in their organs such as leaves, flowers, seeds, etc [1]. They are widely distributed in Central Asia and Southern Africa. In Saudi Arabia, they are grown in the Wadi Najran, Taif region, and Al Madinah Al Munawwarah (Abyar Al-Mashy) [2]. The Saudi Arabian flora comprises about 2250 plant species that are distributed throughout the Kingdom [3]. It is well known that Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula are rich in natural and cultivated plants. The flora of Saudi Arabia contains a total of 2250 plant species belong to 142 families [4].

Some of these plants were used and still by native people who gain an accumulated experience in the uses of these plants in folk medicine to cure many different diseases. But unfortunately, there is a gap in transferring the indigenous knowledge between old and new generation further to the lack and information scarcity on their uses, further to the difficulties that may be found in identifying the wild medicinal plants as well. However, the gap is still wider between traditional herbal medicine and modern medicine manufacturing. Few studies on medicinal and Ethnomedicinal plants have been done in Saudi Arabia including Al-Baha region among these, studies conducted by Collenette, [5] who described twenty plant species traditionally used as a medicine with their main chemical constituents. Different types of primary and secondary metabolic compounds are used usually divided according to their chemical composition. Active compounds in medicinal plants can be used in medicinal drugs and move society to invest in crop production [6]. And it can be used to treat toxic and bacterial diseases [7]. Medical plants are considered an important economic resource of natural biodiversity [8]. Further, an initial survey on the medicinal plant diversity in the flora of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been made covering seven families [9]. The active compounds can be extracted from medicinal plants this enables and preserving them from human intervention. Medicinal plants have many benefits in health uses and with this study it can prove the validity of their importance. Analysis of some medicinal plants biochemically and find out its medicinal very important to carry out the necessary that help in separating the important primary and secondary metabolic compounds helps in prove their value [10].

The major goal of this study was to investigate the chemical composition, screen and identify the medicinal plant diversity in Medina valleys to discuss their environmental distribution and work on conservation of these valuable plants to increase their bioavailability. The identified of some the active compounds in the composition of these plants to determine its medicinal and nutritional value. Encouraging the conservation of these important plants and increasing their cultivation in their appropriate environment. Use of these plants in the health and therapeutic field because of their medicinal and nutritional value and can use in the commercial and cosmetic industries due to their useful metabolic compounds.

The result in Table 1 shows the different types of plants with their families that were counted in the three valleys (Wadi Al-Baidha, Al-Aqiq, Al-Fora ‘a) of Medina region from which the study plants were collected (P. incise, H. arbainense, C. grandiflorus, R. vesicarius, S. alexandrina, R. stricta, W. somnifera and A. fistulosus). Showed prevalent plants were (S. alexandrina, P. incise, H. arbainense).

A sample. The results of phytochemical screening of aqueous and ethanol plant extract showed the existence of Protein, Proline, Amino acids and carbohydrates (Table 2) for Primary Compounds and Phytosterols, Triterpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins and tannins (Table 3) for secondary compounds.

Table 2 shows the statistical results of the primary metabolic compounds in the form of the mean and standard deviation. There is a high protein content in

the study samples. The changes in the soluble protein content of the different plant species shows in Table 2, and they retained the largest amount of it significantly and the highest of protein is the plant H. arbainense, and the lowest plant is S. alexandrina.

The saponins sowed little content for R. stricta, R. vesicarius and A. fistulosus but, moderate level was showed for P. incise, H. arbainense, C. grandiflorus and S. alexandrina. Also R. vesicarius extract showed a high content of flavonoids, but P. incisa, S. alexandrina and A. fistulosus have the moderate content and the little amount was observed in R. stricta, C. grandiflorus and H. arbainense. All plant extract has moderate content of alkaloids, Triterpenoids, coumarins and tannins respectively.

The proposed chemical structures of these compounds are indicated in Figures 4-11. The names of the probable bio molecules present with their RT, Retention Time, Values, and peak areas are indicated in Table 4. GC-MS analysis the results of GC-MS analysis of ethanol extracts of P. incisa are given in Table 4 and Figure 4, the GC-MS analysis of P. incisa, the compounds found were -

Propanone, 1,1-dimethoxy-, 1,2,4-Benzenetricarboxylic acid, 1,2-dimethyl ester,3-Hexanol, 2-methyl-, 2-Propenoic acid, butyl ester, 2-Butenoic acid, 2-methyl-, (Z)-, 5H-1-Pyrindine, Acrylic acid, (5-cyclopropylidenepentyl) ester, 1,3-Cyclopentadiene, 1,2,5,5-tetramethyl-, 1,3-Cyclopentadiene, 1,2,5,5-tetramethyl-, 2-Hydroxy-2,6-dimethyl-hept-6-en-3-one, Heptane, 4,4-dimethyl-, Ethylbenzene, Ethanone, 1-cyclobutyl-, 4,4-Dimethyl octane, Pentane, 2,2-dimethyl- and Heptane, 4,4-dimethyl.

The GC-MS analysis of H. arbainense, was shown in Table 4 and Figure 5 the compounds found were Butanoic acid, anhydride, 2-Propanone, 1,1-dimethoxy-Acetic acid, butyl ester, 2-Propenoic acid, butyl ester, 1,3-Cyclopentadiene, 1,2,5,5-tetramethyl, 1,3-Dioxolane-2-methanol, Bicyclo [2.2.1]heptane, 2-(2-propenyl), 1-Undecene, 9-methyl, Isophthalaldehyde, 4,6-Heptadienoic acid, 3,3,6-trimethyl-, ethyl ester Heptane, 4,4-dimethyl, Ethylbenzene, Undecane, 3-Hexanone, 2,5-dimethyl and Phenol, 3-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methoxy.

Fifteen compounds (2-Propanone, 1,1-dimethoxy-, 2-Propenoic acid, butyl ester, 2-Butenoic acid, 2-methyl-, (Z)-, 2,4-Dihydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furan-3-one, 5H-1-Pyrindine, 1,3-Cyclopentadiene, 1,2,5,5-tetramethyl, 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl, (S)-(+)-1-(2-Pyrrolidinylmethyl)-pyrrolidine, 1-Butanol, 3-methyl-, acetate, 12-Hydroxy-3-keto-bisnor-4-cholenic acid, Heptane, 4,4-dimethyl, Benzene, 1,3-dimethyl, 4,4-Dimethyl octane, 8-Hydroxy-2,2,8-trimethyldeca-5,9-dien-3-one, 1,3-Cyclopentadiene, 5,5-dimethyl-2-ethyl-) ware appear from C. grandiflorus extract, the data reported in Table 4 and Figure 6.

Results revealed in Table 4 and Figure 7 the identification of 15 compounds (2-Propanone, 1,1-dimethoxy-, 2-Propenoic acid, butyl ester, 2,4-Dihydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furan-3-one, 5H-1-Pyrindine, 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-, 1-Heptanol, 3-methyl-, Octane, 1-ethoxy-, 1-Bu-tanol, 3-methyl-, acetate, 9-Octadecenoic acid, (2-phenyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl) methyl ester, trans-, Sulfurous acid, hexyl 2-propyl ester, Heptane, 4,4-dimethyl, Undecane, Butane, 2,2-dimethyl-, n-Tridecan-1-ol, 5,8-Decadien-2-one and 5,9-dimethyl-) in R. vesicarius extract. Previous phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of anthraquinones, flavonoids and minerals.

The GC/MS data and spectrum of the chemical constituents in ethanol extract of S. alexandrina are shown in Table 4 and Figure 8 The chromatogram showed that ethanol leaf fraction contained 15 compounds and they are Furan, 2-butyltetrahydro-, 2-Propanone, 1,1-dimethoxy, Acetic acid, butyl ester, 2-Propenoic acid, butyl ester 2,4-Dihydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furan-3-one, Propanoic acid, 1-Pentene, 4,4-dimethyl, Benzeneacetaldehyde 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl, Octane, 2-chloro, 2-Hexanone, Heptane, 4,4-dimethyl, Butane, Benzene, 1,3-dimethyl, 4,4-Dimethyl octane, 2,2-dimethyl.

We detected 15 peaks associated with segregated constituents by GC−MS in the R. stricta extract. Composites are listed in Table 4 and Figure 9. 2-Propanone, 1,1-dimethoxy, 2-Propanone, 1,1-dimethoxy, Acetic acid, butyl ester, 2-Propenoic acid, butyl ester, 2,4-Dihydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furan-3-one, Acetic acid, pentyl ester, Diazene, bis(1,1-dimethylethyl), 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl, Urazole, Diisopropyl (methoxy)silane, Heptane, 4,4-dimethyl, Ethylbenzene, Benzene, 1,3-dimethyl, Undecane and Pentane, 2,2-dimethyl, were the major components present in the extract.

The GC/MS data and spectrum of the chemical constituents in ethanol extract of W. somnifera are shown in Table 4 and Figure 10 respectively.

Widely distributed in Central Asia and Southern Africa. In Saudi Arabia, they are grown in the Wadi Najran, Taif region, and Al Madinah Al Munawwarah (Abyar Al-Mashy) [13]. Teucrium polium L. occurs throughout the Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian regions [14]. In Saudi Arabia, it is widely distributed in Aljuf, Hail, and Al Madinah Al Munawwarah (Gabal Al-aquiq) [14]. Many of these Species that are distributed throughout the Kingdom have been used by the local communities for the treatment of a large number of ailments [15]. This result sagest the report of Migahid (16). Primary metabolic compounds are important compounds in the processes of transporting and storing energy, regulating growth and respiration, and they are the primary compounds to produce secondary metabolic compounds [30].

The protein parts are used as therapeutic agents in combination with other chemicals, which makes them have a high medicinal value [30]. In Table 2 it shows the changes in the soluble proline content of different plant species, the largest amount of which was retained significantly, and the highest plant was R. vesicarius it is very clear, and the lowest plant are P. incisa and A. fistulosus. Low levels of proline ensure that girls are in a favorable environment that is not subject to stress [31].

On the other hand, the result in Table 2 shows the decrease in the amino acid content in P. incise, H. arbainense and C. grandiflorus, and then the observed increase in the plant sample R. vesicarius and S. alexandrina then the average decrease in the rest of the samples. Amino acids are the main component of protein, contribute to cellular digestion and osmotic pressure, and are an essential component in the synthesis of the alkaloid secondary metabolite, which gives it medicinal value in therapeutic uses [32]. Also, the result shows the decrease in carbohydrate content in the plant samples and the observed increase in the plant sample A. fistulosus then S. alexandrina. The carbohydrate content in the plant affects the plant’s immunity, and it has sugar molecules that can be extracted and used to increase the plant’s immunity and protect it from diseases [33].

The result in Table 3 showed secondary compounds in the ethanol plant extract, the result clears that, phytosterol compound appeared in all plant extract, which this compound has types as sitosterol and stigmasterol usually abundant in many plant foods such as fruits and vegetables and has a common role in reducing harmful cholesterol (LDL) [34]. Thus, protects against many heart and cancer diseases [35]. All plant samples have triterpenoids compound. This compound has played several roles in immunity against bacteria and allergies, the most important of which is regulating and controlling the proliferation of cancer cells [36]. The results are agreement with Pathak who suggested that quantitative phytochemical study indicated an appreciable number of polyphenols, flavonoids, flavonols, proanthocyanidins, tannins, saponins and alkaloids. The presence of these phytochemicals has been reported to exert profound stabilizing effect on lysosomal membrane while tannins and saponins bind cations, thereby stabilizing erythrocyte membranes and other biological macromolecules [37].

Alkaloids are known anti-inflammatory effects. Flavonoid and phenolic compounds are potent antioxidants which prevent oxidative cell damage and possess anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-thrombotic [38]. Proanthocyanidins are a type of bioflavonoid that has been shown to have very potent antioxidant activity [39]. Previous studies had also shown that plant extracts possessing anti-inflammatory properties may contain phytochemicals with antioxidant activity against deleterious chain reactions triggered by reactive oxygen species associated with inflammations [40].

Some plant samples haves saponins compound this benefit in role of lowering cholesterol and regulating glucose in the blood, which makes it anti-diabetic [41]. Plants differed in flavonoid content and were only in plant R. vesicarius, P. incisa and S. alexandrina. It protects against cell damage, cancer, and liver diseases, and helps in the dilation of blood vessel [42]. And has antioxidant activity [43]. The coumarin compound appeared in all the samples it’s benefit as an anti-inflammatory and usually found in the peels of fruits; it gives role in protecting and preservation them from rotting [44]. Also gives the samples a distinctive aromatic smell upon concentration varies, and this effective compound is useful in the perfume industry [1]. The tannin compound has many uses in dyes and leather tanning [45], health benefits as antioxidant, anti-allergic, anti-helminthic and usually us as astringent [46]. There are a number of reports on the phytochemical constituents of Pulicariaincisa. The presences of Sixty-six compounds representing 89.4% of total oil were identified. The main components were α-Ocimene (15.17%), τ-Cadinol (6.79%), α-Cadinol (4.51%), Alloaromadendrene (4.45%) δ-Cadinene, (+) - (4.13% [29]. Some more reports indicate the presence of compounds such as dl-limonene, bcaryophyllene, 5, 30-dihydroxy-3, 7, 40, 50-tetramethoxy flavone, myricetin-7,30,40-trimethyl ether, and a di-C-glycosyl flavone, vicenin 3 [29]. For example, the study of Muhammad [46] a large number of extracts and bioactive constituents of different species of genus Heliotropium revealed significant biological activities such as antimicrobial, antitumor, antiviral, antiinflammatory, wound healing, cytotoxicity and phytotoxicity [47].

This is in accordance with the previous findings with respect sample, where had major quantitative changes in C. digitatum after processing; a special combinations of volatile compounds which gives the aroma of the processed C. digitatum have also other benefits as functional food ingredients; some of them with additional activity as natural food additives, analgesic or antioxidant which participate in the reasonably high antioxidant capacity of C. digitatum that were previously determined [48]. However, the hepatic protective activity of R. vesicarius extract was not previously studied [49]. Chemical composition: Senna contains anthraquinonoid compounds flavonoid, saccharide, naphthalene derivatives, phytosterols, essential oils, waxes, tannins, mineral salts, resins, and mucilage [50]. These values are considered high when compared to other plants, corresponding to a previous work [51]. Iqbal et al. have reported that the antioxidant capability of the methanolic extracts of R. stricta leaves was significantly elevated when compared to the α-tocopherol or the synthetic antioxidant BHA [51]. Another study conducted in Saudi Arabia has demonstrated the high TPC of R. stricta extract [52].

The chromatogram showed that ethanol leaf fraction contained 15 compounds and they are 2-Propanone, 1,1-dimethoxy-, Acetic acid, butyl ester, 2-Propenoic acid, butyl ester, Pyridine, 3-ethyl-2,4-Dihydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furan-3-one Propanoic acid, Formic acid, 2-propylpentyl ester, 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydr-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-Acetate, 2-hydroxy-2-(3-chloro-4,5-dihydro-5-isoxazolyl)-, ethyl ester, 1-Heptanol, 3-methyl-, Heptane, 4,4-dimethyl-p-Xylene, Undecane, Pentane, 2,2-dimethyl-Phenol and 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)-, acetate. The chemistry of Withania species has been extensively studied and several groups of chemical constituents such as steroidal lactones, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins have been extracted and identified [53]. A qualitative analysis of constituents present in ethanol extract was performed by GC/MS. As shown in Table 4 and Figure 11, the full scan revealed the presence of several phenolic compounds, based on the over15 major peaks detected. 2-Propanone, 1,1-dimethoxy-, 3-Furanmethanol, 2-Propenoic acid, butyl ester, 2,4-Dihydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furan-3-one, Formic acid, 2-propylpentyl ester, 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-Phosphonofluoridic acid, methyl-, 3,3-dimethylbutyl ester, dl-Erythro-O-methyl threonine, 1H,5H,7H,11H-Dipyrazolo [1,2-a:1',2'-d][1, 2,4,5]tetrazine, tetrahydro, 1-Heptanol, 3-methyl, Heptane, 4,4-dimethyl, p-Xylene Undecane, Pentane, 2,2-dimethyl- and (SS)- or (RR)-2,3-hexanediol. In fact, different results obtained from lyophilized samples of A. tenuifolius harvested from septentrional Algerian Sahara [54].

Medicinal plants are of great medicinal and nutritional importance, as they highly contain content of proteins and secondary compounds of phytosterols, triterpenoids, tannins, etc. That extracted from leaves, enabling them to be used in several cosmetic, medicinal, and commercial fields. Alkaloid compound, which makes them anti-diseases and the most prominent role of them is to be a rich source for the manufacture of pharmaceutical drugs and vitamins. Phytochemical screening is an important step in the detection of the bioactive components existing in medicinal plants that are used in traditional medicine. There is a need to focus phytochemical screening on ethnobotanical studies to complete research into traditional medicine which leads to the discovery of new drugs. The flora of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia contains many medicinal plants, some of them were studied in research to discover their importance, and the field is still open for many studies to identify the important components in these plants and how to use them in industry to produce medical and cosmetic materials that benefit humanity.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

Alsaedi, S. and Aljeddani, G. (2022) Phytochemical Analysis and Bioactivity Screening of Primary and Secondary Metabolic Products of Medicinal Plants in the Valleys of Medina Region Saudi Arabia. Advances in Biological Chemistry, 12, 92-115. https://doi.org/10.4236/abc.2022.124009