Wild-Growing Species in the Service of Medicine: Environmental Challenges and Sustainable Production

Abstract

Wild fruits are underutilized plants that are well adapted to the local climatic conditions. Extreme environmental conditions due to climate change or variability are a threat to wild-growing species, crop production, productivity, and livelihood. Wild fruit fields could be affected by not meeting winter chilling requirements, which is specific for every fruit species. On the other hand, the plants’ secondary metabolites and other bioactive compounds can be attributed to the changing conditions as a response to various types of environmental stresses which affect their production. Secondary metabolites refer to small molecules that are non-essential for the growth and reproduction of plants, but have a wide range of effects on the plant itself and other living organisms. Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.), Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.), dog rose (Rosa canina L.), and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) are important wild plants with powerful health-promoting properties. Due to their chemical composition and nutritive value, they have a strong effect on regional food security and poverty alleviation. Positive health effects, forceful impact on the quality of life, and market potential are additional attributes of these plants, which may have significant economic impact.