Overview of ethnobotanical, phytochemical and biological activity relations of Verbascum species in worldwide

Verbascum species are important medicinal plants frequently used worldwide. This study aimed to compile the medical, veterinary, and other uses of these species by reviewing ethnobotanical studies conducted in countries where Verbascum species are naturally distributed. Ethnobotanical studies conducted in Türkiye, Italy, Pakistan, Spain, Iraq, Iran, Bosnia and Herzegovina, India, Pakistan, Serbia, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and the USA were identified using standard keywords through databases such as PubMed, Sciencedirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Turkish National Thesis Center. Articles published in peer-reviewed journals, congress proceedings, and theses (gray literature) were included. Scientific and local names, parts used, preparation and application methods were obtained from 110 ethnobotanical studies. The most cited plant species, countries, purposes, and plant parts were identified. A total of 46 Verbascum species were found to be medicinal plants used in folk medicine. The most cited species are V. thapsus, V. cheiranthifolium, Verbascum sp., V. speciosum, V. sinuatum, V. phlomoides, and V. lasianthum. The most frequently cited countries are Türkiye, Italy, Pakistan, Spain, Iraq, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and India. The most commonly used parts of these plants were found to be flowers (38%) and leaves (36%). The preparation and application method is generally internal use in the form of infusion and decoction in respiratory diseases, and there are external methods such as poultice, powder, and direct application for hemorrhoids and wounds. Additionally, bioactivity studies of the most cited plants were reviewed to evaluate their use in ethnobotany. This review identified Verbascum species that may have potential therapeutic effects for conditions such as respiratory disorders, hemorrhoids, wounds, and burns, but further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to confirm their activities.