Antimicrobial Capacities of the Medicinal Halophyte Plants

Abstract

Halophytes grow in many regions of the world where they are exposed and survive to harsh environmental conditions. As a consequence, these species developed adaptive responses including the synthesis of several bioactive molecules that made them plants of significant economic potential as well as a potential source of newly discovered medicine. Moreover, several salt marsh plants have traditionally been used for medical, nutritional, and even artisanal purposes. Currently, an increasing interest is granted to these species because of their high content in bioactive compounds (primary and secondary metabolites) such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamins, sterols, essential oils (terpenes), polysaccharides, glycosides, and phenolic compounds. This chapter reviews available literature about the status of a wide variety of halophytic species traditionally used as medicinal virtue. It aims to highlight the importance of halophytes as a potential source of antimicrobial and antiviral agents and indicate their prospective utilization at industrial scale.