Juniperus sp.

Abstract

Juniperus species, generally known as “ardıç" in Turkey, are represented by eight species and nine taxa in three sections. Juniperus species have long been used traditionally, especially for rheumatism, gallstones, asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, and cold. Berries, tar prepared from the plant, seeds, and sometimes shoots of the plant have been used medicinally due to their secondary metabolites, promising therapeutic properties, and inspiration for new drug developments. Several bioactivity studies were also undertaken, particularly those related to traditional usage, anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, etc.; the tested extracts proved to be moderately to significantly active. Essential oil and diterpenes are the main secondary metabolites, followed by flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, coumarins, fatty acids, sterols, tannins, sesquiterpenes, and triterpenes. Despite their traditional use, phytochemistry and bioactivity studies on Juniperus species. Consequently, phytochemistry and bioactivity studies on Juniperus species are limited. Additional research is required to elucidate the structure-activity relationships and/or the action mechanisms.