Biotechnological Applications of Selected Plant Species in Iraqi Kurdistan

Document Type : Review Paper

Authors

Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, 46001 Sulaymaniyah-Iraq

Abstract

There is a wide variety of plant species native to the Kurdistan region that could serve as a rich source of valuable bioactive metabolites. These metabolites have been utilized globally in various environmental and industrial fields, including pharmaceuticals, insecticides, agriculture, skin care products, environmental clean-up, and food preservation applications, giving sustainable and eco-friendly substitute to synthetic chemicals. Additionally, they contribute significantly to enhancing product quality, industrial and medical development, aiding in preservation and increasing the shelf life of natural products. While the commercial value of these metabolites is expanding in the global market, they have not been adequately utilized and researched in the Kurdistan region. This review tries to fill the research gap by precisely detailing 21 different plant species, phytochemical constituents, and potential applications in various fields. A broad literature survey was conducted to identify prominent plant species of industrial and environmental importance, and their investigated bioactive compounds are summarized to provide a comprehensive reference for future studies. Additionally, this article discusses the potential of introducing Kurdistan's phytochemicals to the world of sustainable development and global bioeconomy. Through the correlation of the broad application of these metabolites with the scientific research in the region, Kurdistan can advance both scientifically and economically, stimulating biotechnological growth and sustainable alternatives for public health and the environment.

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