Plants used in traditional treatment of prostate diseases in Turkey

Turkey has a very rich flora and also many medicinal plants, due to its geography. The aim of this study was to provide information about the plants used for prostate diseases in Turkey. Ethnobotanical studies made in various parts of the Turkey have been researched and 107 taxa used in the treatment of prostate diseases have been recorded. These plants belong predominantly to the Rosaceae (15 taxa), Asteraceae (13 taxa), Lamiaceae (10 taxa), Poaceae (4 taxa), Anacardiaceae (3 taxa), Apiaceae (3 taxa), Brassicaceae (3 taxa) families. The plant parts used for treatment are leaves, aerial parts, flowers, roots and seeds. Flavonoids, essential oils, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and steroids are the most common chemical compounds in these plants. Activity studies have been found which support the use of 17 taxa in prostate diseases. Similar activity studies can be carried out for other plants and so new drugs can be developed for the treatment of prostate diseases. Keywords: Prostate diseases, medicinal plants, traditional treatment, Turkey