NEW PERSPECTIVES ON MEDICINAL PROPERTIES AND USES OF IRIS SP.

Abstract

Rhizomes from various Iris species have been used in traditionalmedicine to treat a variety of ailments since ancient times and many constituentsisolated from different Iris species demonstrated potent biological activities inrecent studies. All research findings besides the increasing demand for naturalingredients in cosmetics and market demand from industries like alcoholicbeverages, cuisine and perfumery indicate a promising future for cultivation ofirises for rhizomes, various extracts but most importantly for high quality orrisbutter. Romania is situated in a transitional continental climate with suitableconditions for hardy iris species and thus with good prospects for successfulcultivation of Iris germanica, Iris florentina and Iris pallida in conditions ofeconomic efficiency.