A RECENT REVIEW ON ETHNOMEDICINAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL, AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF MAJOR ASTRACEAE FAMILY PLANTS IN THE MĂCIN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, ROMANIA

Măcin Mountain National Park is a large, protected area in

Tulcea County, Dobrogea, Romania. This park represents Romania's ancient

geological, scientific, and archaeological sites, making it one of the top-ranked

tourist destinations in the country. On this small territory (0.05 % of the

country's surface), and in an area of 11,000 hectares, more than half of the

Romanian flora can be found. This region stand out by its impressive fauna and

flora. 72 plant species are protected as vulnerable and rare species, and 27

species are considered endemic plants. The purpose of this work is to evaluate

the most recent and significant reports from literature data with regards to

plants from Asteraceae family. Thus, the focus was on analyzing the

importance of these species in traditional phytotherapy and modern medicine.

Emphasis was given to biological properties, which were validated through

scientific research. Consequently, multiple cosmetology and food industry

applications were highlighted. Last but not least, studies concerning the safety

uses and biotechnological research were presented.