Evergreen Plants in Medicine: A Narrative Review of Their Therapeutic Potential and Pharmacological Applications

Shilan Farhad Mamand; Jihad Haji Saleh

doi:10.64048/tx199w96

Authors

Shilan Farhad Mamand Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Science, Knowledge University, Kirkuk Road, 44001 Erbil, Iraq Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0270-4402
Jihad Haji Saleh Department of Biology, Harran university, Şanlıurfa, Turkey Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9676-873X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64048/tx199w96

Keywords:

Evergreen Plants, Phytotherapy, Medicinal Plants, Traditional Medicine, Pharmacological Properties

Abstract

Evergreen plants, known for retaining their foliage throughout the year, play an essential ecological and medicinal role across diverse environments. Traditionally valued in various healing systems, these plants offer year-round accessibility and are rich in pharmacologically active compounds. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the botanical characteristics, phytochemical profiles, ethnobotanical uses, and pharmacological mechanisms of evergreen plants, while highlighting their clinical applications and research limitations. Evergreen species such as Taxus brevifolia, Camellia sinensis, and Ilex paraguariensis have demonstrated significant therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. These properties are largely attributed to bioactive compounds like terpenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, which interact with molecular pathways relevant to chronic and infectious diseases. Despite these promising attributes, current research is hindered by challenges such as inconsistent extraction methods, limited clinical trials, and threats to biodiversity due to overharvesting. This review highlights the need for standardized, interdisciplinary research approaches and sustainable practices to fully realize the medicinal potential of evergreen plants. It is recommended that future studies prioritize clinical validation, conservation, and integration of traditional knowledge into evidence-based frameworks.

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