About Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) C.H.Stirt.
Bituminaria bituminosa, commonly known as Arabian pea or pitch trefoil, is a perennial herb species in the genus Bituminaria that originates from the Mediterranean region. The pterocarpans bitucarpin A and bitucarpin B can be isolated from the above-ground aerial parts of this plant. It has three identified potential uses: first, as a forage crop; second, for the phytostabilization of heavy metal-contaminated or degraded soils; and third, as a source for the synthesis of furanocoumarins, which include psoralen, angelicin, xanthotoxin and bergapten, compounds that hold broad pharmaceutical interest. This species is easily recognizable by the characteristic bitumen smell produced by its leaves. This strong, tar-like distinctive aroma is thought to come from a combination of multiple substances, including phenolics, sulphurated compounds, sesquiterpenes, and likely short-chain hydrocarbons. When measured by dry weight, the total polyphenols content of the plant is less than 2%, and its condensed tannins content is less than 0.8%.
