Benefits for Human Health of Geophytes Having Economic Importance in Turkey

Turkey located in the mid-latitude zone has an important place in terms of plant diversity. There are 10036 species and subspecies in our country and the number of naturally grown geophytes is 816 and 424 of these species are known to be endemic. Colchicum, Iris and Fritillaria taxa from geophytes in Turkey are gaining value as economically important taxa. Colchicum is important in the pharmaceutical industry because of colchicine alkaloids contained in tubers and seeds. Especially in the treatment of familial mediterranean fever, behcet and gout diseases, relieving rheumatic pain, colic, diarrhea, muscle and joint problems. The roots of the iris species have great pharmacological property and are known to be antioxidant, anti-tumor, antiplazmodial, antituberculosis, anti-spasmodic and diuretic affects. They are used for asthma and bronchitis as expectorant, antiflatulent, antifebrile and macula remover. The use of the geophytes of Frittillaria species, also used as ornamental plants, has become widespread in Chinese medicine and in our country because of the alkaloids, saponins, adenosine and succin acid they contain. It is known to be used as an important drug against cough cutter, expectorant, high blood pressure. In addition to onions, flowers are used to facilitate birth, and leaves and leafstalks are used to regulate heart rhythm. In this review, information will be given on the use of some geofit species having economic important for our country in modern medicine and public health in terms of human health. Key Words : Geophyte, Health, Colchicum, Iris, Fritillaria