This study is a systematic review of medicinal plants traditionally used to treat infertility in Türkiye. This study aims to compile comprehensive ethnobotanical, ethnomedicinal, and phytochemical data on these plants to support further pharmacological investigations.
A total of 161 studies were analysed. The extracted information covered vernacular plant names, families, parts used, methods of preparation and application, and phytochemical profiles. The most cited families, species, and plant parts were identified and illustrated in the graphics. The review identified 94 plant taxa belonging to 43 different families. The most cited families were Asteraceae (12 taxa), Lamiaceae (6 taxa), Apiaceae (6 taxa), Malvaceae (6 taxa), Amaranthaceae (5 taxa), and Rosaceae (5 taxa). The most mentioned species included Malva neglecta Wallr. (11), Allium cepa L. (3), Ferula elaeochytris Korovin (3), Malva sylvestris L. (3), Plumbago europaea L. (3), Rubus sanctus Schreb. (3), Sambucus ebulus L. (3), and Zygophyllum fabago L. (3), respectively. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds were the most common phytochemicals in these plants. The pharmacological studies of the most frequently cited plants were also reviewed, suggesting that these plants may affect infertility through both direct effects, such as promoting spermatogenesis and motility, and indirect effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Although these species have a history of traditional use indicating therapeutic benefits, most have not been well studied for their toxicological and pharmacological effects. This review highlights some promising plants that warrant further research to support the development of novel infertility treatments.
| Primary Language | English |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Pharmacognosy |
| Journal Section | Review |
| Authors | |
| Submission Date | April 21, 2025 |
| Acceptance Date | September 6, 2025 |
| Publication Date | January 14, 2026 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2025.1680589 |
| IZ | https://izlik.org/JA23TW56LJ |
| Published in Issue | Year 2025 Volume: 55 Issue: 3 |