“Samor”, Acacia tortilis, is a type of the genus Acacia, a tree with an umbrella-shape, belonging to the family Legumminosae (Fabaceae). It can grow up to 21 meters in height under favorable conditions, while in extremely arid conditions, it may appear as a small wiry shrub. The plant is known to tolerate drought (up to 12 months), high temperatures (above 50°C), sandy and stony soils, strongly sloped rooting surfaces, sandstorms, and prefers alkaline soils and wide valleys. In addition, elder plants (above two years) have been observed to be frost resistant. The ability of this plant to endure harsh conditions and climate variations clearly indicates the potential presence of bioactive metabolites.
The tree bears white thorns that can reach up to 6 cm in length, as well as shorter curved thorns about 1.5 cm, which help the tree to protect its highly nutritious leaves and pods from herbivores.
The flowers are creamy-white, highly aromatic, small, and in the shape of circular inflorescences. The flower nectar is very dense, containing up to 75% sugars, making it appealing to bees and other pollinators.
The seeds are produced in pods that are flush and looped and assembled into a spring-like structure, and may grow up to 15 cm long.
Acacia tortilis tree, is one of the species from which gum arabic is produced. Gum arabic is used in many food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and other industries due to its unique properties.
These trees are widespread across Yemen, the Arabian Peninsula countries, Africa, and India.
In Yemen, several tree species within the same family share the name “Samor” based on the region where they are found. For example, “Samor” can refer to “Talh” Acacia gerrardii, “Salam” Acacia ehrenbergiana Hayne, Acacia edgeworthii, and “Qarad” Acacia nilotica. Even “Talh” Acacia gerrardii tree share its name as well, and may refers to “Sa’yar” Acacia abyssinica Hochst, “Awal” Acacia albida Del, “Seyal” Acacia seyal Del. This name-sharing phenomenon is unique to Yemeni regions, and it may be useful and justified. However, we do not know whether such a diversity of names for Acacia tortilis exists in other regions of the world! It is important to note that all mentioned species share habitats and climate, their flowering periods are close, and this may be good for the resulting honey!
A study conducted by Professor of Pharmacology, Muhammad bin Fahd Al-Ajmi, and his colleagues investigated the anti-cancer and anti-microbial activities of the aerial parts of several Acacia tree species, including “Samor” Acacia Tortilis.
The study showed the effectiveness of “Samor” against all cancer cells tested, including breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Among the Acacia species tested, “Samor” showed the highest activity against liver cancer cells (HepG2) and kidney cancer cells (HEK-293). While “Qatad” Acacia hamulosa showed the highest activity against breast cancer cells (MCF-7).
Also, in a study conducted by Dr. Burhane El-Din Ziani and his colleagues on extracts of “Samor” Acacia Tortilis tree, showed the presence of 36 phenolic compounds, including Gallic Acid esterified derivatives, galloylquinic derivatives and flavan-3-ols galloyl derivatives. Several biological activities of the extracts were determined, while recording a significant cytotoxic activity against a panel of 4 different tumor cell lines, anti-inflammatory activity in a RAW 264.7 cell model and antimicrobial activity against MDR (Multidrug-Resistant), this indicates that the extracts from “Samor” tree exhibited antimicrobial activity against organisms that are resistant to multiple drugs and antibiotics. The most distinctive types of phenolic compounds in “Samor” trees are flavonoids and tannins.
Moreover, aqueous preparations of various “Samor” Acacia Tortilis parts (leaves, pods, gum exudates and bark) showed valuable pharmacological properties for the treatment of various ailments including allergy, cough, gastric irritation, inflammatory reactions and diarrhea, by forming protective layers on the mucous membranes, due to the presence of tannins. Also, the gum exudate has been shown to have hypotensive and diuretic properties and has been used to treat infectious diseases, colds, pharyngitis, dysentery, pulmonary tuberculosis and scalds of the mouth. The study also showed that a polysaccharide isolated from “Samor” gum exudates had mammalian α-D-glucosidase inhibitory activity by reducing postprandial blood glucose level and the ability to decrease total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels. Studies on “Samor” Acacia Tortilis ethanolic extracts showed significant inhibition of inflammatory cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX): COX-1 and COX-2, which was related to rutin and catechin contents in the extracts.
Now, what about “Samor” honey?!
The presence of nutrients in a tree can have an impact on the overall health and development of it, including its flowers. These nutrients are transported throughout the tree through its vascular system.
Just that?! of course not! When it comes to “Samor” honey the bees will secret its significant enzymes and other essential substances in order to transform the nectar into unique raw honey. You can unleash your imagination about the benefits that can be obtained from the aromatic “Samor” honey.
This is evident in its dark color, as it is reddish-black when harvested, then it becomes darker as it ages. This dark color clearly indicates that “Samor” honey contains a high level of polyphenols and mineral salts. In general, scientifically, dark-colored honey tends to have higher polyphenol and mineral salts levels compared to light-colored honey. Therefore, its alkaline value is higher. This is of utmost importance in determining the nutritional and therapeutic properties of honey. This is why the usage of “Samor” honey in folk treatments is very common in many cultures. In Yemen, the treatment of hepatitis with this type of honey is widespread thanks to the impressive results it has achieved in this regard.
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