Review Article

Five Pistacia species (P. vera, P. atlantica, P. terebinthus, P. khinjuk, and P. lentiscus): A Review of Their Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology

Table 1

Ethnomedicinal uses of selected Pistacia species.

SpeciesRegionsPlant part(s) usedTraditional uses and ethnobotanical reportsReference(s)

Pistacia lentiscus Algeria Leaf Appetizer and astringent [75]
Greece Resin Stomach ache, dyspepsia, stomach ulcer,
intestinal disorders, hepatic inflammation, tooth disease, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and diuretic
[33, 128, 129]
Aerial partStimulant, diuretic, hypertension, kidney stones, jaundice, cough, sore throat, eczema, and stomach ache[88]
Iraq Resin Abdominal pain [130]
Iran Resin Gum tissue strengthener, breath deodorizer, brain and liver tonic, and gastrointestinal ailments[11, 100, 102]
Italy Leaf Toothache, mycosis, herpes, abdominal and intestinal pain, rheumatism, antiseptic, cicatrizant, emollient, expectorant, and astringent[131, 132]
Jordan LeafJaundice [121, 133]
Resin Heart burn and stomach ache
Morocco Leaf Digestive disease, evil eye[134]
Portugal Leaf, barkGastric analgesic [135]
Root Antiseptic and antiodontalgic [135]
Seeds Antirheumatic[135]
Stem Buccal antiseptic [135]
Spain Aerial partHypertension [136]
FruitInfluenza[71]
LeafDermatophytosis in cows[72]
Tender budWarts[73]
TunisiaFruit Edible usage, condiment, scabies,
Rheumatism, and antidiarrheal
[60]
TurkeyleafEczema, diarrhea, throat infections, paralysis, kidney stones, Jaundice, asthma, stomach ache, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and stimulant[96]

Pistacia atlantica AlgeriaFruit Stomach ache, cough, stress, tonic, and
antidiarrheal
[20, 63]
Greek Fruit Mouth flavouring, tanning, and as fodder [31]
IranAerial partVeterinary [31]
Fruit Antidiarrheal [11]
Resin Peptic ulcer, mouth freshener, antiseptic, gum tissue strengthener, as chewing gum, appetizer, phlegm dissolver, astringent, laxative, demulcent, diuretic, emmenagogue, carminative, visceral inflammation, scabies, stomach, liver and kidneys tonic, gastrointestinal disorders, and motion sickness[9]
Resin, barkJoint pains, toothache, wound healing[137]
JordanFruit Stomach ache [133]
leafAntidiabetic [109]
Morocco LeafEye infection[134]
Resin Gum tissue strengthener, breath deodorizer, cough, chill, and stomach disease[27]
TurkeyFruit Mouth disease [138]
leafAs vegetables and food[127]
Resin Wound healing[138]

Pistacia terebinthus Greece Resin Antidote, aphrodisiac, expectorant, and treatment of leprosy[139]
IranResin Smoke of it as air purifier and antiseptic[140]
Leaf, barkAstringent and antidiarrhea [11]
JordanResinDiuretic, laxative, stimulant, and aphrodisiac[18]
LeafDiuretic, antihypertensive, and treatment of jaundice[18]
SpainAerial partHypotensive and cephalalgic [141]
BranchAntiseptic [141]
Flower, leafOdontalgia and Dislocated joint[142]
FruitAntiprostatitis [141]
TurkeyFruitCold, flu, diuretic, stomach ache, rheumatism, stimulant, antitussive, appetizer, as coffee, urinary inflammations, and
soap production
[29, 53, 138, 143]
LeafStomach ache, mycosis, and antidiabetic[29, 53, 144, 145]
ResinUrinary and respiratory antiseptic, asthma, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory[53]

Pistacia vera Iran Nut shellTonic, sedative, and antidiarrhea[11]
Fruit Food [10]
Jordan Oil Facial skin cleanser[133]
TurkeyResinAsthma, stomach ache, and hemorrhoids[146]

Pistacia khinjuk IranAerial part Veterinary use[147]
ResinStomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness[148]