Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Wild native species are usually grown under severe and stressful conditions, while a special category includes
halophytic species that are tolerant to high salinity levels. Native halophytes are valuable sources of bioactive
molecules whose content is higher in saline than normal conditions, since the adaptation to salinity mechanisms
involve apart from changes in physiological functions the biosynthesis of protectant molecules. These compounds
include secondary metabolites with several beneficial health effects which have been known since ancient
times and used for medicinal purposes. Recent trends in pharmaceutical industry suggest the use of natural
compounds as alternative to synthetic ones, with native herbs being strong candidates for this purpose due to
their increased and variable content in health promoting compounds. In this review, an introductory section
about the importance of native herbs and halophyte species for traditional and modern medicine will be presented.
A list of the most important halophytes of the Mediterranean basin will follow, with special focus on their
chemical composition and their reported by clinical and ethnopharmacological studies health effects. The review
concludes by suggesting future requirements and perspectives for further exploitation of these valuable species
within the context of sustainability and climate change.
Description
Keywords
Bioactive compounds Halophytes Health effects Native herbs Salinity Secondary metabolites
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Petropoulos, S. A.; Karkanis, A.; Martins, N.; Ferreira, I. C.F.R. (2018). Halophytic herbs of the Mediterranean basin: an alternative approach to health. Food and Chemical Toxicology. ISSN 0278-6915. 114, p. 155-169