Pesticides, Environmental Pollution, and Health | InTechOpen, Published on: 2016-06-16. Authors: Arzu Özkara, Dilek Akyıl and Muhsin Konuk

Neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases are characterized by the structural and functional abnormalities of neurons in certain regions of the brain. These abnormalities, which can result in progressive neuronal degeneration and functional disability, are incurable to date. Although comprehensive efforts have been made to figure out effective therapies against these diseases, partial success has been achieved and complete functional recovery is still not a reality. At present, plants and plant-derived compounds are getting more attention because of a plethora of pharmacological properties, and they are proving to be a better and safer target as therapeutic interventions. This review aims to highlight the roles of tannins, ‘the polyphenol phytochemicals’, in tackling neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases as well as neuropsychiatric disorders like depression. Among the multifarious pharmacological properties of tannins, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cholinesterase activities are emphasized more in terms of neuroprotection. The current review also throws light on mechanistic pathways by which various classes of tannins execute neuroprotective effects. Despite their beneficial properties, some harmful effects of tannins have also been elaborated.

Background: The traditional knowledge about plants and their uses in Turkey is disappearing in recent years because the new generations of villagers migrate to big cities for a better life. Afyonkarahisar located at the intersection of roads and phytogeographical regions (Mediterranean, Iran-Turan, and Euro-Siberian) has more than 2500 plant species. This richness of plant diversity promotes the indigenous commuity for the traditional use of wild plants. The aim of the study is to show wild plants’ ethnobotanical usages associated with medicinal, food, fodder, and household goods in 31 settlements within the boundaries of Afyonkarahisar province. Methods: The ethnobotanical data were collected from 46 informants by means of semi-structured interviews from 2012 to 2014. Ethnobotanical uses of plants of the study area were conducted in the vicinity of Afyonkarahisar (5 districts, 8 towns, 15 villages, and 3 neighborhood centers). Results: One hundred and thirty plant taxa belonging to 39 families were recorded and collected. Hundred and seventy-eight different uses of these plants were documented and used generally for medicinal (84), food (68), fodder (16), household goods (3), dyes (3), handicrafts (3) and religious (1). Conclusion: This study provides interesting uses of plants in the local community of Afyonkarahisar and its surrounding area, in what purpose they make use of plants, how they make use of them and obtained results will contribute to economy of villagers. Since the local people, especially in villages, are poor and do not have health care, they use the plants to treat illnesses, food, fodder, household goods and other uses (evil eye). Also this study will light the way for posterity for next generations.