Traditional usage, phytochemical compositions and biological activities of cousinia cass. genus

Abstract

Objective: Cousinia is a large and widespired genus and shows remarkable rate of endemism in Turkey. This study aims at reviewing a biological activities and bioactive compounds of species of this genus. Material and Method: In order to compile the literature data more comprehensive and detailed, the databases were searched in the field of health science. An electronic search was carried out in PubMed, Web of Science, SciFinder, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar for articles, which published in 1966-2019 years. Result and Discussion: It is known some difficulties of synthetic drugs use in cancer therapy because of side effects and interactions nowadays. On the other hand, because of their wide application, therapeutic efficacy and low toxicity of herbal drugs is more important on anticancer studies and they are on improving. Some species of this genus were traditionally used for treatment of various disorders as respiratory problems, ulcers, rheumatism and inflammation. Based on previous studies cytotoxic, antibacterial and hypnotic activity of different Cousinia species were reported. To date, sesquiterpene lactones, triterpenes, steroids and flavonoids have been isolated from Cousinia species. In the light of all these data, it was concluded that the genus has a wide biological effect capacity and rich phytochemical content, but endemic species are not investigated in detail, yet. It is thought that, the detailed investigation of these species will be contribute to both public health and national economy. © 2020 University of Ankara. All rights reserved.