BIOCHEMICA INVESTIGATION OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL AND COSMETIC USE OF NARCISSUS (Narcissus tazetta L. subsp. tazetta L.) GROWING NATURALLY AROUND IN MUĞLA, TURKEY

Abstract

Amaryllidaceae is a monocot plant family represented in the world with approximately 85 genera and 1100 species, which has a great economic value as an ornamental plant, as well as plants that are widely used in treatment [1,2]. Narcissus L. species, a member of the Amaryllidaceae family, are perennial, herbaceous plants with bulbs that bear fragrant flowers and up to 30 different species grow naturally in Western Europe, the Mediterranean Region, China and Japan [3,4]. 
 Amaryllidaceous plants have biological activities of medical uses, and their alkaloids have wide applications worldwide [5, 6, 7]. These alkaloids are a group of secondary metabolites on which many studies have been carried out due to their biogenesis, pharmacological and physiological activities. Until today, more than 500 Amaryllidaceae alkaloids have been isolated from different plants of the family, and modern phytochemical studies have shown that these alkaloids are responsible for many pharmacological activities [5, 8, 9, 10]. Due to their similarity to morphine and codeine skeletons, they have high analgesic effects. Among the pharmacological activities, including anti-cholinesterasic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, anticancer, antiplatelet, antifeedantan, antiparasitic and antiviral [5, 11]. In the Narcissus genus, the alkaloids found are divided into eight groups according to their skeleton type. These groups, according to the name of the representing alkaloid; It is expressed as norbelladin, lycorine, homolicoline, hemantamine, narciclasin, tazettin, pancracin and galantamine [5]. Among these alkaloids, especially galantamine, analgesic [12], antiviral, cytotoxic [13], antimicrobial and antioxidant [14]. activities have been reported, and it is known to be used in the treatment of Alzheimer's due to its acetylcholinesterase inhibition effect [15]. Apart from these known therapeutic effects of the plant, it is a valuable main product in the cosmetic industry. In ancient times, in the Aegean region, it was grown and essence was obtained from its flowers [4].
 The aim of this work was to perform collect the Narcissus flower, which grows naturally in Muğla and its surroundings in February-April and draws attention with its scent, to determine some of its bioactivities and to conduct research on the purification of the protease enzyme for pharmaceuticals effects, as well as to research the use of the plant in this field by making a perfume design for the cosmetic industry.