The Phytopharmaceutical Properties of Six Vegetal and Ruderal Weed Species - A Review
Keywords:
pharmacology, medicinal plants, bioactive compound, segetal species, phytotherapy, phytochemistryAbstract
Currently, the market for supplements and natural remedies in our country is constantly expanding. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rise in public concern about improving and maintaining overall health, and topics such as prevention, early treatment, integrative medicine, and promoting longevity are attracting an increasing interest. Typically associated with a healthy lifestyle, proper stress management, promoting quality interpersonal connections, and spending time in nature, these biotechnological products have proven their therapeutic value over time, through their special biochemical properties and antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, or antitumor effects, addressing a wide range of conditions, such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, diabetes, autoimmune diseases or even oncological conditions. This manuscript aims to highlight and explore the distinguished phytopharmaceutical properties of six species that are less known in Europe for their qualities and uses. These plants: Xantium strumarium, Cirsium arvense, Convolvulus arvensis, Artium lappa, Agropyron repens and Capsella bursa-pastoris, are mainly known as segetal and ruderal species. They are part of four different botanical families, but share a remarkable biochemical potential, including the possibility to be used in various natural remedies, as well as in preparations and pharmaceutical products characteristic for classical medicine.
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