Taxonomy, traditional uses, phytochemical compounds and pharmacological activities of Juniperus phoenicea L. (Cupressaceae) complex in Algeria: A review

Authors

  • Benchohra Maamar Pr. Dr
  • Chaimaâ Nouar University of Tiaret
  • Kheira Senouci University of Tiaret
  • Belgacem Nouar Ahmed Zabana Relizane University, Bourmadiya Neighbourhood, Relizane city, Algeria
  • Hicham Berrabah Ibn Khaldoun Tiaret University, Algiers Road, BP 78, Tiaret, Algeria
  • Ahmed Saad Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of M’sila, University Pole, Road Bordj Bou Arreridj, M'sila 28000, Algeria.
  • Sid Ahmed Aouadj Ahmed Zabana Relizane University, Bourmadiya Neighbourhood, Relizane city, Algeria
  • Khaled Abdelmalek Mehenni Ibn Khaldoun Tiaret University, Algiers Road, BP 78, Tiaret, Algeria

Abstract

Background: In Algeria, Juniperus phoenicea L. presents taxonomic problems. This complex has been cited in various works by many Algerian researchers across various disciplines under several names. Notably J. phoenicea L., J. phoenicea L. subsp. phoenicea, J. phoenicea var. turbinata, and J. turbinata Guss. Some of these studies have focused on comparing morphological characteristics to test their variability, while other studies have concentrated on phytochemical and pharmacological activities without considering their variability.

Methods: Information related to the taxonomy, ethnomedicinal, ethnoveterinary, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of the complex J. phoenicea in Algeria was systematically collected using relevant keywords from online databases such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, Springerlink, PubMed, Scopus, Algerian flora and theses.

Results: J. phoenicea L. considered one of the plant species with numerous biological activities and containing many valuable bioactive compounds, which has generated considerable interest among researchers. Furthermore, it plays an important role in the Algerian population because of its use in traditional human and animal medicine.

Conclusions: Future studies should incorporate genetic and molecular approaches to clarify the taxonomic variability of this complex and ensure accurate species delimitation. Integrating these data with ethnobotanical and phytochemical research is essential to improve the reliability of its biological and traditional use assessments.

Keywords: Red juniper, systematic, ethnobotany, ethnoveterinary, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, Algeria.

Author Biographies

Chaimaâ Nouar, University of Tiaret

Ibn Khaldoun Tiaret University, Algiers Road, BP 78, Tiaret, Algeria

Kheira Senouci, University of Tiaret

Ibn Khaldoun Tiaret University, Algiers Road, BP 78, Tiaret, Algeria

Sid Ahmed Aouadj, Ahmed Zabana Relizane University, Bourmadiya Neighbourhood, Relizane city, Algeria

Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Natural Ecosystems, Abou Bekr Belkaid university, Tlemcen, Algeria

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Published

2026-05-01

How to Cite

Maamar, B., Nouar, C. ., Senouci, K. ., Nouar, B. ., Berrabah, H. ., Saad, A. ., Aouadj, S. A. ., & Mehenni, K. A. . (2026). Taxonomy, traditional uses, phytochemical compounds and pharmacological activities of Juniperus phoenicea L. (Cupressaceae) complex in Algeria: A review. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 34, 1–18. Retrieved from https://www.ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/8274

Issue

Vol. 34 (2026)

Section

Reviews

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