The endemic plants – a valuable resource with vast potential in Bulgaria: A brief overview

Abstract

Abstract. The plant kingdom with its natural products, both terrestrial and marine, has been widely studied. Plant-based products have long been used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Many natural compounds are reported to have a number of interesting and significant biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, analgesic, antidiabetic, antiatherogenic, antiproliferative, and cardioprotective and neuroprotective activities. In order to find a natural product, researchers often explore the possibilities given by nature. Special attention is paid to bioactive compounds synthesized by endemic plants as a specific resource of limited habitat. This review focuses on a brief overview of endemic plants in Bulgaria, most common in the mountainous regions of the country, with the aim to encourage the knowledge of these resources with vast potential for unique biological compounds and specific characteristics beneficial to humans for various purposes.