Antioxidant Properties of Some Caucasian Medicinal Plants

Since antioxidants may be implicated in disease-related processes, studying these molecules is crucial. The detection of new antioxidants may result in the application of these compounds as medications. Mountain systems and long-term climate changes have contributed to the development of the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot, characterized by a great variety of plant species. For centuries many Caucasian plants were used for the treatment of different diseases, however, the scientific knowledge of the composition of natural drugs is still far from exhaustive. The present review indicates that Caucasian medicinal plants Symphytum caucasicum M. Bieb., Thymus tiflisiensis Klokov & Des.-Shost., Paeonia daurica subsp. mlokosewitschii (Lomakin) D. Y. Hong, and Cyclamen coum Mill.are a valuable source of antioxidants, and extracts of these plants exhibit significant total antioxidant activity. Various classes of antioxidants were revealed in the aerial part and roots of Symphytum caucasicum” M. Bieb.,tubers of Cyclamen coum Mill., petals ofPaeonia daurica subsp.mlokosewitschii (Lomakin) D. Y. Hong, and the aerial part of Thymus tiflisiensis Klokov & Des.-Shost. These compounds included phenolic compounds, water-soluble antioxidants, alkaloids, terpenes, and saponins.In vitrostudies demonstrated that these antioxidants are beneficial in suppressing some biological effects related to multiple diseases. The review demonstrates the benefits of using Caucasian medicinal plants for the treatment of different disorders andoffers information to scientists who are working to produce safe plant-based medications.