Terpene-containing Halophytes: Review of their Geographical Distribution, The Roles of Microbiota and Terpenes in The Tolerance of Salt Stress

Abd-El-Aziz, Noha Mokhtar; El Hawary, Seham Salah Eldin; Lotfy, Rehab Ahmed; Younis, Inas Youssef; El-Shamy, Abd El-Samad Ibrahim

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2025.415389.12214

Terpene-containing Halophytes: Review of their Geographical Distribution, The Roles of Microbiota and Terpenes in The Tolerance of Salt Stress

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Articles

Authors

¹ Department of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt

² Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University

³ pharmacognosy department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo university

⁴ Department of Natural Compounds Chemistry, National Research Centre, Egypt.

10.21608/ejchem.2025.415389.12214

Abstract

Halophytes are a large group of plants that can grow under extreme conditions. They have a wide geographical distribution around the world and many traditional uses. Many studies have been performed about halophytes, emphasizing their economic importance, richness in active metabolites, and diversity in their biological activities. Different classes of terpenes and terpenoidal saponins have been reported in halophytes. Their biological activities include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiaging, and antimicrobial activities, among others. Terpene production was reported to be in direct relationship with salt stress due to the upregulation of genes responsible for terpene synthesis. Soil microbiota plays a vital role in the mechanism of salt tolerance in halophytes. This extensive review follows the recent studies of terpene-containing halophytes around the world, including the countries of origin, areas of plant collection, parts used, and biological activities, to be a guide for future research and applications.

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