Phytochemical Profiling and Biological Activity of Endemic Plants from the Mediterranean Region: A Comprehensive Review

Taylor Fairfax^*
*Correspondence: Taylor Fairfax, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Freiburg, Fahnenbergplatz, 79085 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, Email:

Introduction

The Mediterranean region is renowned for its rich biodiversity, particularly with regard to its endemic plant species, which have adapted to the unique environmental conditions of the area. These plants are often characterized by the presence of distinct bioactive compounds that contribute to their medicinal, nutritional, and ecological roles. This review aims to explore the phytochemical profiles and biological activities of endemic plants from the Mediterranean, highlighting their potential applications in drug discovery, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. We provide an overview of the major classes of secondary metabolites found in these plants, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and essential oils. Additionally, the review discusses the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and other therapeutic properties of these plants. The findings underscore the importance of these plants as a valuable resource for future pharmacological research, though further investigation into their safety, efficacy, and ecological sustainability is necessary for their widespread application.

The Mediterranean Basin, with its diverse climate and topography, harbors a vast array of plant species, many of which are endemic. These plants have evolved unique chemical compositions in response to environmental stresses such as high temperatures, drought, and intense solar radiation. The biogeographic isolation of the region has resulted in a high degree of endemism, making Mediterranean flora an important reservoir of novel phytochemicals. Endemic plants from the Mediterranean region have long been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including inflammatory conditions, infections, and digestive disorders. With the growing interest in natural products and their potential therapeutic properties, scientific research has increasingly focused on understanding the chemical composition of these plants and exploring their biological activities. Phytochemical profiling provides essential insights into the diversity of bioactive compounds present in these plants, while biological assays assess their potential medicinal value.

This review seeks to compile and critically assess the available literature on the phytochemical profiles and biological activities of endemic plants from the Mediterranean region. We aim to highlight the diversity of bioactive compounds in these plants and discuss their pharmacological potential in the context of contemporary drug discovery and natural product-based therapies. A systematic search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published from 2000 to 2024. The search terms included "endemic plants," "Mediterranean flora," "phytochemical profiling," "biological activity," and "bioactive compounds." Only peer-reviewed articles, reviews, and original research articles that focused on endemic plants from the Mediterranean region were considered.

Description

Studies that describe the phytochemical composition of Mediterranean endemic plants. Articles that report on the biological activities of these plants, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Studies published in English or translated into English. In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies.Studies that do not provide data on the phytochemical composition or biological activity. Articles focusing on non-endemic plants or those from outside the Mediterranean region.Non-peer-reviewed literature, conference abstracts, or articles lacking methodological rigor. Data were extracted from the selected studies, including plant species, plant parts used, methods of phytochemical analysis, bioactive compounds identified, and biological activities assessed.

The data were synthesized into categories based on plant families, chemical classes, and therapeutic properties. A total of 45 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies covered a range of endemic plant species from countries surrounding the Mediterranean, including Greece, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Morocco, and Tunisia. The majority of the studies were focused on the isolation and identification of bioactive compounds from the leaves, roots, flowers, and seeds of these plants. Phytochemical profiling techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance were commonly used to identify compounds.

Flavonoids and phenolic acids are among the most abundant bioactive compounds found in Mediterranean endemic plants. These compounds are known for their strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. For example, Cistus incanus (cistus), an endemic plant from the Mediterranean, is rich in polyphenols, including flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol. Studies have shown that these compounds contribute to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Similarly, Origanum dictamnus (Cretan dittany), a plant native to Crete, is rich in phenolic acids like rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, which exhibit strong antioxidant properties. Terpenoids, including essential oils, are another major group of bioactive compounds found in Mediterranean endemic plants. For instance, Thymus capitatus (savory thyme), an endemic species in the Mediterranean, contains thymol and carvacrol, two monoterpenoids known for their antimicrobial and antifungal activities. Likewise, Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) is rich in linalool and linalyl acetate, which contribute to its calming and antiinflammatory effects [1-3].

Several endemic plants from the Mediterranean region also contain alkaloids, which have been shown to exhibit various biological activities. Pistacia lentiscus (mastic), a shrub native to the Mediterranean, contains mastic resin, which contains alkaloids and other bioactive compounds that have been studied for their anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Other notable compounds found in endemic plants include tannins, saponins, and lignans, which also contribute to the therapeutic potential of these species. The antioxidant activity of Mediterranean endemic plants is well-documented, and many of the bioactive compounds identified, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, are known to contribute to this effect. For example, Cistus incanus and Origanum dictamnus have demonstrated significant free radical scavenging activity in vitro, attributed to their high polyphenolic content. Sideritis syriaca (mountain tea) also exhibits potent antioxidant effects, and studies suggest it may help protect against oxidative stress-induced diseases like neurodegeneration and cardiovascular disorders.

Antimicrobial properties are another major biological activity observed in many Mediterranean endemic plants. The essential oils of Thymus capitatus, Lavandula angustifolia, and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) have been shown to inhibit the growth of various bacterial and fungal pathogens. These antimicrobial effects are primarily attributed to the presence of terpenoids such as thymol, carvacrol, and 1,8-cineole. The anti-inflammatory effects of Mediterranean endemic plants are primarily attributed to flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids. For example, Cistus incanus and Origanum dictamnus have been shown to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes like cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), contributing to their antiinflammatory activity. Additionally, Pistacia lentiscus and Sideritis syriaca have demonstrated anticancer potential in vitro, with studies showing the ability to induce apoptosis and inhibit cancer cell proliferation [4,5].

Several endemic plants from the Mediterranean region also exhibit other pharmacological activities, such as hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic effects. Euphorbia characias, for example, has shown hepatoprotective properties, while Lavandula angustifolia has been studied for its anxiolytic and sedative effects, making it useful in the treatment of stress and anxiety-related disorders. The phytochemical profiles of Mediterranean endemic plants reveal a rich diversity of bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. These compounds contribute to a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. The therapeutic potential of these plants aligns with their traditional use in the Mediterranean region for treating various ailments. While the biological activities of these plants are promising, there are several limitations to the current body of research. Most studies rely on in vitro and animal models, with few clinical trials conducted to confirm the efficacy and safety of these plants in humans. Additionally, the bioavailability and toxicity of the bioactive compounds in these plants require further investigation.

Conclusion

Mediterranean endemic plants represent a valuable resource for the discovery of novel bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications. Their rich phytochemical diversity and significant biological activities make them promising candidates for drug development, particularly in the areas of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory therapies. Future research should focus on clinical trials, bioavailability studies, and the development of sustainable harvesting methods to ensure the continued availability and efficacy of these plants in modern medicine.

Acknowledgment

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

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