PHARMACOLOGICAL AND PHARMACOGNOSTIC ANALYSIS OF PLANTS OF THE GENUS STELLARIA

Introduction. The study of medicinal plants remains a crucial area of scientific research due to their long-standing use as safe and effective therapeutic agents. Plants of the genus Stellaria are particularly significant, given their historical application in traditional medicine for addressing inflammatory conditions, skin infections, gastrointestinal disorders, bronchitis, asthma, and obesity.The purpose. To analyze scientific data from sources such as PubMed and Google Scholar, summarizing the botanical characteristics, chemical composition, and medicinal properties of Stellaria species.Materials and methods. A literature search (2014–2024) using relevant keywords identified over 3,000 publications. After removing duplicates and applying predefined criteria, 60 sources were selected for analysis. Non-pharmacological studies, mechanistic research, editorials, commentaries, and conference abstracts were excluded.Results. Plants of the Stellaria genus are characterized by a rich chemical composition, which includes flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, tannins, and triterpenoids. These bioactive components account for a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anxiolytic, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties.Despite their extensive traditional use and diverse chemical profile, the therapeutic potential of Stellaria species remains underexplored.This article summarizes the available scientific data on the botanical characteristics, pharmacochemical composition, and pharmacological activity of plants from this genus and highlights the need for further research to expand their application in modern medicine.