Phytochemical Diversity, Bioactivity and Bioeconomic Potential of Selected Woody Flora from the Karditsa Region (Central Greece): A Comprehensive Review
Aug 2026· Applied Sciences· Vol 16, pp. 7833· 0 citations· 32 references
TL;DR
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical composition, biological activities, and bioeconomic potential of five selected woody species occurring in the Karditsa region and identifies future research directions for the sustainable exploitation of selected woody flora from the Karditsa region.
Abstract
The Karditsa region of Central Greece hosts a rich diversity of woody plant species that represent valuable sources of bioactive phytochemicals with significant ecological, nutritional, and industrial importance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical composition, biological activities, and bioeconomic potential of five selected woody species occurring in the region, namely Rosa canina, Cornus mas, Rubus fruticosus, Prunus spinosa, and Satureja montana. Particular emphasis is placed on the occurrence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, terpenoids, and essential oils, which are responsible for a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Current extraction technologies and analytical approaches used for the recovery and characterization of these bioactive compounds are also discussed, highlighting recent advances in green and sustainable extraction methods. Furthermore, the potential applications of these plant-derived metabolites in functional foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other bio-based products are critically evaluated. Finally, the review discusses the importance of conserving regional plant biodiversity while promoting the sustainable utilization of natural resources through environmentally responsible valorization strategies. By integrating available phytochemical, biological, and applied research, this review provides an updated synthesis of the scientific evidence and identifies future research directions for the sustainable exploitation of selected woody flora from the Karditsa region.
The family Orchidaceae is one of the most taxonomically diverse groups of angiosperms, recognized for their ornamental significance and their content of pharmacologically relevant secondary metabolites. This review critically evaluates the phytochemical diversity, bioactivities, and potential of Orchidaceae species as natural sources for the development of functional food products. This review is based on a comprehensive literature survey of 32 peer-reviewed articles indexed in Scopus and PubMed through April 2025, which reports the presence of diverse bioactive compounds-mainly phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and anthocyanins in various orchid species and plant tissues. These compounds exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidants, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-aging, photoprotective, and neuropharmacological effects. The concentration and composition of these metabolites depend on species differences, plant organ specificity, and extraction methods. Cumulative evidence underscores the underutilized potential of orchids as phytochemical reservoirs for nutraceutical applications. However, further translational research on bioavailability, safety, and functional stability in complex food systems is essential to enable their practical application in consumer health products. This review advocates intensive multidisciplinary research on Orchidaceae to open up new opportunities in the functional food and health-promoting bioactive industries.
Syntiya Inanda Khoidir, Deksa Aldebaran, Nur Aniza Aprilia et al.· Current Applied Science and...· 0 citations
Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad., a drought-tolerant member of the Cucurbitaceae family, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and has recently attracted increasing interest because of its potential pharmacological, agricultural, and ecological applications. This review examines current information on the plant’s distribution, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical composition, biological activities, applications in poultry, and ecological significance. Its bioactive constituents include cucurbitacins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, glycosides, fatty acids, and tocopherols. These compounds have been associated with anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and other biological activities, although most of the available evidence comes from in-vitro and preclinical studies. Initial findings also indicate that the plant may have value as a phytogenic feed additive in poultry and as a drought-tolerant species for soil stabilization, rangeland rehabilitation, and desertification control. However, the practical application of these findings is still constrained by differences in research methods, variation in phytochemical composition, limited clinical evidence, and the plant’s narrow therapeutic window and dose-dependent toxicity. Consequently, its therapeutic effectiveness and suitability for routine agricultural use cannot yet be established with certainty. Future research should focus on phytochemical standardization, quality control, thorough toxicological assessment, mechanistic studies, and well-designed clinical and animal trials using standardized preparations. Collectively, the available evidence indicates that C. colocynthis is a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential pharmaceutical, veterinary, and ecological applications, although rigorous scientific validation is required before its safe and effective utilization can be recommended.
Hanan Al-Khalaifah, T. Al-Surrayai, S. Shreaz et al.· Biology· 0 citations
An updated overview of the botanical characteristics, geographical distribution, cultivation conditions, phytochemical composition, nutritional value, and biological activities of the plant, with particular emphasis on recent advances in nanoformulations, biomedical applications, hemocompatibility, and recent pharmacological advances are provided.
Bayansulu Otegenova, Gulzat Berganayeva, Bates Kudaibergenova et al.· Frontiers in Chemistry· 0 citations
Simple Summary Stipagrostis plumosa is a desert grass adapted to harsh environmental conditions and is widely used as forage for camels, sheep, and goats. Although it has long been recognized in traditional practices, its phytochemical composition and biological properties have received limited scientific attention. In this study, the phytochemical profile of S. plumosa was investigated together with its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities. Different solvent extracts were evaluated against pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and clinical veterinary isolates, while their antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic effects on human cancer cell lines were also assessed. Among the tested extracts, the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the strongest antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, whereas the chloroform fraction showed the highest cytotoxic activity. These findings suggest that S. plumosa is a valuable source of naturally occurring bioactive compounds with potential applications in pharmaceutical, veterinary, and food-related fields. The study also highlights the importance of exploring underutilized desert plants as reservoirs of novel biologically active metabolites.
Rehab M A El-Desoukey, Mashail N Alzain, F. Albarakaty· Biology· 0 citations
This comprehensive review examines the phytochemical composition and bioactive properties of Sargassum species, with emphasis on extraction methodologies, analytical techniques, and biological activities. The genus Sargassum harbors a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, fucoidans, terpenes, and various secondary metabolites across multiple species. Their potential applications span pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and agricultural industries. This review critically evaluates the analytical approaches employed for compound identification and characterization, highlighting the considerable potential of different Sargassum species and their derivatives for the development of novel therapeutic agents with antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antidiabetic activities. Current challenges and future research directions are discussed to facilitate the commercialization of these marine resources.
Nikman Azmin, J. Umar· Current Applied Science and...· 0 citations
In terms of pharmacological and economic relevance, the Citrus genus (Rutaceae family) is one of the most important families of fruit-bearing plants worldwide. Among the lesser explored of its members, a citrus plant which is often considered a wild or pseudo-lemon, Citrus pseudolimon, because of its rich phytochemical content is traditionally used in different indigenous medicine to treat metabolic, infectious, inflammatory and gastrointestinal disorders and it is currently being tested through the modern phytochemical and pharmacological systems. The plant is reported to have various groups of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, limonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, essential oils, coumarins, and vitamins, which occur unevenly in its fruits, peels, leaves, seeds, and bark. Solvents of various polarities have been used to prepare extracts that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, anti obesity, anti-cancer and cardioprotective properties in in-vitro and in-vivo experimental models. Despite these encouraging data, there is no systematic review of literature that consolidates already obtained information on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of C. pseudolimon. This review critically summarizes and analyzes the published data on the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical profile of various parts of C. pseudolimon and compares them with known pharmacological activities. The focus is made on the methods of extraction, phytochemical yields of specific solvents, traditional and ethnomedicinal applications, and biological effects confirmed experimentally. This review will form the basis of a reference framework for additional drug discovery, nutraceutical development and functional food applications based on C. pseudolimon can be supported by combining traditional knowledge with present scientific evidence.
Unknown authors· Genetics and Molecular Resea...· 0 citations