THE ANTIFUNGAL EFFECTS OF DATURA STRAMONIUM L., D. METEL L. , D. INNOXIA Mill. IN FLORA OF TURKEY

Abstract

Medical plants are an important part of our lives. Various plant species have been used medically since ancient times. Most of the modern drugs are derived from plants. The demand for medical and aromatic plants in the world market is increasing. The main commercial centers of herbal drugs in the world are Japan, China, USA, Germany, Hong Kong, England, Italy, France and Spain. Turkey is also in an important position in the medicinal and aromatic plant market. Many plants collected from the nature are used to food, treatment, spices, beverage, cosmetics etc. fields. In addition to these, researchers are conducting research showing that these crops can also be used in agricultural control.  They have been supported by studies that these plants are highly effective against fungi causing harmful effects in plants. For this purpose, antifungal effects of Datura species ( Datura stramonium L, D. metel L. ve D. innoxia Mill. ) have been reviewed. Researches indicated that Datura sp. have antifungal activity some fungi. However, this effect varies according to concentration and types of solvents, part of plants such as root, seed, leaf, stem etc. The studies carried out show that each of the three Datura species has the potential to be a good fungicide by means of the compounds it contains.