Halophyte Plant Diversity and Public Health

Salinity is a severe problem causing yield loss in many regions, particularly in arid and semiarid areas. Halophytes can remove salt from problematic soils and are used for the treatment of certain diseases. This book provides a comprehensive account of the distribution, ethnobotanical, medicinal, economic, and chemical constituents of halophytes, serving as a valuable resource for professionals and researchers in plant stress biology and ethnobotanical aspects.

Format: Hardback
Length: 203 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

Salinity poses a significant challenge, resulting in substantial yield losses across numerous regions worldwide. This phenomenon is particularly evident in arid and semiarid environments. Halophytes, plants that thrive in salty conditions, possess unique morphological, physiological, and anatomical adaptations that enable them to extract salt from problematic soils. While halophytes have been employed for the treatment of certain diseases, there is a lack of scientific documentation regarding their current phytotherapic applications. Different ethnic groups worldwide utilize medicinal halophytes based on their beliefs and ancestral experiences. However, their knowledge of using salt-tolerant medicinal plants often remains confined to their own communities. This knowledge gap regarding halophytes needs to be addressed and preserved.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of halophytes' distribution, ethnobotanical and medicinal significance, economic importance, and chemical constituents, accompanied by detailed scientific descriptions. It serves as a valuable resource for professionals and researchers engaged in the fields of plant stress biology and ethnobotanical aspects.

Halophytes are plants that have adapted to grow in salty or alkaline soils. They are found in many parts of the world, including coastal areas, deserts, and salt marshes. Halophytes have a variety of adaptations that allow them to survive in these harsh environments, including thick cuticles, specialized cells for storing water, and salt glands that excrete excess salt.

One of the most important benefits of halophytes is their ability to improve soil quality. They can increase soil fertility by fixing nitrogen in the soil, reducing soil erosion, and improving soil structure. Halophytes also have the ability to tolerate salt and drought, making them ideal for growing in areas with poor soil quality or limited water resources.

Halophytes have a wide range of uses in agriculture, including crop production, livestock feed, and biofuel production. They are used in the production of salt-tolerant crops such as rice, wheat, and corn, as well as in the production of biofuels such as algae and seaweed. Halophytes are also used in the treatment of certain diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.

There are several different types of halophytes, including seaweeds, saltworts, and halophytic plants. Seaweeds are the most common type of halophyte and are found in coastal areas around the world. They are high in nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals, and are used in a variety of foods, including sushi, soups, and salads. Saltworts are found in dry, salty areas and are used in the production of salt, as well as in the treatment of certain diseases. Halophytic plants are found in a variety of habitats, including deserts and salt marshes, and are used in the production of textiles, paper, and cosmetics.

Halophytes are also important for environmental conservation. They can help to reduce soil erosion by stabilizing the soil and reducing the amount of water that is lost through evapotranspiration. They can also help to mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their tissues.

However, halophytes are not without their challenges. They are sensitive to water stress, which can limit their growth and productivity. They are also susceptible to pests and diseases, which can reduce their yield and quality.

In conclusion, halophytes are a unique group of plants that have adapted to grow in salty or alkaline soils. They have a variety of adaptations that allow them to survive in harsh environments, including thick cuticles, specialized cells for storing water, and salt glands that excrete excess salt. Halophytes have a wide range of uses in agriculture, including crop production, livestock feed, and biofuel production. They are also used in the treatment of certain diseases and are important for environmental conservation. However, halophytes are not without their challenges, and further research is needed to improve their growth and productivity and to develop new uses for them.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031219436
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023