Economic and Biological Importance of Legumes: Industrial and Phytotherapeutic Applications

The article discusses the biological and economic benefits of leguminous plants, as well as their role in soil nitrogen enrichment and the utilization of different species. The legume family is a widespread group of plants with a wide range of applications worldwide. Legumes are used in agriculture as fodder and sideral plants, in industry as technical and dyeing raw materials, and in medicine as medicinal plants. More than 440 species of leguminous plants grow in Azebaijan. Thanks to bacteria of the genus Rhizobium living in their root system, legumes play an important role in increasing the nitrogen content of the soil. The types included in the section, such as Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott., Spartium junceum L, Ononis arvensis L., Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall. and Glycyrrhiza glabra L.– have both medicinal and anti-inflammatory properties. Many of these plants contain many colorants, essential oils, vitamins and biologically active substances. They are popular in both industrial production and folk medicine because of their rich chemical composition. Legumes are also known as ornamental plants and honey bees. Thus, legumes have enormous biological and economic potential.