Medicinal herbs in Albania: A treasure that we should preserve

Rroji, Orjon and Jançe, Admir (2025) Medicinal herbs in Albania: A treasure that we should preserve. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 32 (1). pp. 215-221. ISSN 2581-3250

The aim of the present review is to highlight the significance and therapeutic benefits of medicinal herbs used for medical purposes. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using major scientific databases, including Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, to identify relevant published studies. The therapeutics effects of Salvia officinalis, Papaver rhoeas, Hypericum perforatum, Oleum olivarum, Spartium junceum, honey (Mel) and Propolis have been described in this review. We summarized the therapeutic effects of each medicinal herb described and we could say that Salvia officinalis has anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant properties, antimicrobial effects, neuroprotective potential and antitumoral activity. Papaver rhoeas, has antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects, analgesic properties, cytoprotective effects and antimicrobial activity. Oleum olivarum, has cardioprotective effects, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory properties, metabolic benefits, neuroprotective effects and wound healing and skin protection. Honey (Mel) has antibacterial activity, wound healing promotion, anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant properties, and immunomodulatory effects. Hypericum perforatum has anti-inflammatory effects, antimicrobial properties, wound healing, and antioxidant activity. Propolis has antimicrobial activity, antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, wound healing and immunomodulatory effects. Spartium junceum has anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant effects, wound healing support, and antimicrobial effects. All these in combination with each other form the Bastari ointment, a traditional folk medicine used in Tirana Highlands to heal various wound types.