Salicornia europaea L. and Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort: bioactive compounds and future perspectives

Abstract

Halophyte plants have a phytochemical composition that results from the harsh conditions characteristic of their specific habitats. These plants have been used since ancient times because of the various biological activities which they possess. The aim of this review is to evaluate the main bioactive compounds and to outline the future therapeutic applications of two halophyte plants in Bulgaria. Studies on the phytochemical composition and biological activities of Salicornia europaea L. and Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort are included. These halophyte plants are found along the Black Sea coast around salt lakes and marshes in Bulgaria. The data obtained indicate that these plants exhibit hepatoprotective, antineoplastic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antimicrobial and antiviral biological activities, and their extracts have promising potential for inclusion in functional foods, dietary supplements and novel herbal pharmaceuticals.

Keywords

• Salicornia europaea L
• Suaeda maritima
• salt-tolerant plants
• halophyte
• bioactive compounds
• phytochemicals