1. Potential Use of Turkish Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Various Diseases.
- Author
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Ozkan G, Kamiloglu S, Ozdal T, Boyacioglu D, and Capanoglu E
- Subjects
- Anti-Infective Agents chemistry, Anti-Inflammatory Agents chemistry, Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic chemistry, Antioxidants chemistry, Antioxidants isolation & purification, Carotenoids chemistry, Carotenoids isolation & purification, Flavonoids chemistry, Flavonoids isolation & purification, Humans, Neuroprotective Agents chemistry, Phytochemicals chemistry, Plant Extracts chemistry, Polyphenols chemistry, Polyphenols isolation & purification, Sesquiterpenes chemistry, Sesquiterpenes isolation & purification, Turkey, Vitamins chemistry, Vitamins isolation & purification, Phytoalexins, Anti-Infective Agents isolation & purification, Anti-Inflammatory Agents isolation & purification, Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic isolation & purification, Neuroprotective Agents isolation & purification, Phytochemicals isolation & purification, Plants, Medicinal chemistry
- 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.
- Published
- 2016
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