Abstract
The genus Santolina is a taxonomically complex group of plant species widely distributed in the Mediterranean
flora and used in traditional medicine since ancient times for their biological properties,
including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, digestive, and analgesic
activities. Phytochemical investigations of Santolina species have revealed the presence of terpenoids as the main bioactive constituents
of the genus. Coumarins and flavonoids were also identified. This review deals, for
the first time, with information on the traditional uses, chemical profile, and biological
properties of plants of the genus Santolina in order to provide input for future research prospects.
Key words
Santolina
- Asteraceae - ethnobotany - phytochemicals - biological activities