Integrative ecological insights and green phytochemical profiling of <i>Commiphora gileadensis</i> L.: a native medicinal resource in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Abstract Commiphora gileadensis (L.), a pantropical and endangered medicinal plant of the Burseraceae family, thrives in arid and semi-arid regions. This study investigates its ecological distribution and phytochemical composition across five locations in Khulais Governorate, Saudi Arabia. Ecological parameters, including topography, climate, chorology, life forms, and soil physicochemical properties, were assessed. Heavy metal concentrations and bioavailability in both soil and root samples were analyzed. Phytochemical profiling was conducted using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). A total of 94 species from 28 families were associated with C. gileadensis , with Poaceae being the most dominant. Therophytes represented the highest life form (43.62 %), and Sudano-Zambezian and Saharo-Arabian elements were the most prevalent chorotypes. Soil pH ranged from 7.1 to 7.73, and electrical conductivity from 0.89 to 1.60 mS/cm. Roots showed root coefficient factors (RCF) &gt; 1 for Cu, Ca, Zn, Sr, Ba, and B, indicating phytostabilization potential. Harra 2 site recorded the highest proline and carbohydrate levels. GC/MS revealed 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester (Z,Z,Z) as the most abundant compound across all sites. This integrative study provides ecological and phytoremediation insights into C. gileadensis , supporting its conservation and sustainable utilization.