Abstract
Medicinal plants are sources of health-promoting substances, including phytochemicals and phytoalexins that comprise polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamins A, C, E and several other constituents. Many studies have indicated that medicinal plants have been used to treat human diseases for thousands of years owing to their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Medicinal plants reduce the oxidative stress in cells and prevent cancer, cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative and digestive system disorders. These potential beneficial effects have been attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds that show antioxidant properties by acting as free radical scavengers or metal chelators, reducing the reactions that produce reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). Considering the importance of medicinal plants in terms of their beneficial health effects, some of the medicinally important plants grown in Turkey are covered in this review with respect to their antioxidant potential and phytochemical profile.
Highlights
A great number of fruits, vegetables, aromatic, spicy, medicinal and other plants may contain bioactive compounds exhibiting free radical scavenging activity
The results showed that only S. hispanicus extract significantly amended fasting blood glucose level, whereas all plant extracts increased reduced GSH content and decreased lipid peroxidation levels of erythrocyte, plasma, retina and lens tissues
The positive health effects provided by these medicinal plants are believed to be as a result of phytochemicals present in these plants or their interactions with other components
Summary
A great number of fruits, vegetables, aromatic, spicy, medicinal and other plants may contain bioactive compounds exhibiting free radical scavenging activity. Epidemiological studies have shown that many of the phytochemicals from medicinal plants possess anti-inflammatory, antiatherosclerotic, antitumor, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, antibacterial, or antiviral activities [8,9]. They are associated with reduced risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and lower mortality rates of several human diseases [10,11,12]. Other ingredients including sugar, honey, alcohol or flour are used to prepare the remedies [13] Several formulations such as herbal teas, extracts, decoctions, infusions, tinctures, etc. The association between some medicinal plants and prevention of diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, infections, wound treatment, arthritis, neurological and gastric disorders are highlighted
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