Medicinal Bryophytes Distributed in Turkey

Abstract

Most of the people lack information on bryophytes due to their small size, and consequently less biomass. However, this group of plants has been used from the very ancient times, in packing, plugging, as well as decoration. The active constituents from bryophytes are widely used as antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, antitumor, and insecticidal agents as well as in medicinal and agricultural areas. This group of lower plants has been used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, as well as hepatic and many other disorders in different parts of the world. In this chapter we have investigated their floristic, ecological, and ecophysiological behaviors together with the recent studies on their phytochemical and pharmacological investigations in Turkey. Our aim is to contribute towards the introduction of potential medicinal bryophytes from Turkey with some data from other parts of the world. Our investigations have revealed that there is a great need for an evaluation of plants from this group as there is a rich source in Turkey. This group of plants could be an alternative solution for the treatment of several present-time diseases.